SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
E.
E.
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"There should be a living, growing interest in storing the mind with Bible
truth. The precious knowledge thus gained will build a barrier about the
soul."—Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
page 36.
Let us resolve to be more diligent in the study of His word and "set apart
a little time each day for the study of the Sabbath school
lesson."—Counsels
on Sabbath School Work,
page 41.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school
lesson each day of the week.
Nam
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
The Church Militant in the Laodicean Age
2.
A Call to Revival
3.
Warnings Against Apostasy
4.
Fidelity in the Gathering Storm
5.
Righteousness Through Christ
6.
The Seal of the Living God
7.
The Sabbath—Vital Issue Through the Ages
8.
Faithfulness Under Persecution
9.
The Close of Probation
10.
The Time of Trouble
11.
Our Lord's Return
12.
God's Harvest
13.
The Judgment
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 274, October-December, 1963. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the
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Copyright, 1963, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
ENCOURAGEMENTS AND WARNINGS
FOR THE CHURCH TODAY
Lesson 1, for October 5, 1963
The Church Militant in the Laodicean Age
MEMORY VERSE:
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock
I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Matt. 16:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 32; "Selected Messages," b. 2,
pp. 396, 397; "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 477-490; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To remind us of the privileges of Christian service that are ours,
and to encourage each individual church member to enter more fully into
that service.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
0
Monday: Questions 5-9.
0
Tuesday: Questions 10-13.
0
Check
Here
Wednesday: Begin reading study
helps; be sure of the memory
verse.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Friday: Review entire lesson.
helps.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The True Church
1.
Distinguishing marks of the true
church. Rev. 14:12.
2.
Urgency of uniting with the visible
church. Eph. 2:19-22; 4:4, 5, 13,
15, 16; 1 Peter 2:5.
3.
Multitudes of Christians still out-
side the true church. Rev. 18:4.
4.
These are to be gathered into
the
fold. Matt. 28:19, 20.
II. Perilous, Sinful Days Foretold
5. Apostasy foretold. 2 Tim. 3:1, 5.
6.
Spirit of indifference to invade the
church. Matt. 25:1-8.
7.
No blessing on the unused talent.
Matt. 25:25-28.
8.
Church members appointed to be
witnesses. Acts. 1:8.
9.
Negligence incurs guilt. Ezek. 3:
18, 19.
III. Spirit and Power
10.
Love, the mainspring of all true
service. 1 John 4:11-13.
11.
Without love, service is worthless.
1 Cor. 13:1-3.
12.
Love, the source of enthusiasm for
soul winning. 2 Cor. 5:14.
13.
God's call said to lighten the earth.
Rev. 18:1.
[
3]
THE LESSON
3. Are all of Christ's followers now
members of the commandment-keep-
ing church? Rev. 18:4. Compare
John 10:16.
Introduction
"The work is soon to close. The mem-
bers of the church militant who have
proved faithful will become the church
triumphant."—Evangelism, page 707.
"The long night of gloom is trying, but
the morning is deferred in mercy, because
if the Master should come, so many would
be found unready."—Ibid., p. 694.
The True Church
1.
By what two distinguishing
marks may the true church be iden-
tified? Rev. 14:12.
NOTE.—"God has placed in our hands a
banner upon which is inscribed: 'Here is
the patience of the saints: here are they
that keep the commandments of God, and
the faith of Jesus.' Revelation 14:12. This
is a distinct, separating message, a message
that is to give no uncertain sound. It is
to lead the people away from the broken
cisterns that contain no water, to the un-
failing Fountain of the water of life."—
Testimonies, vol. 7,
p. 150.
2.
How do New Testament writers
stress the importance of union with
the visible church on earth? Eph.
2:19-22; 4:4, 5, 13, 15, 16; 1 Peter 2:5.
NOTE.—"The state of corruption and
apostasy that in the last days would exist
in the religious world, was presented to the
prophet John, in the vision of Babylon,
`that great city, which reigneth over the
kings of the earth.' Revelation 17:18. Be-
fore its destruction the call is to be given
from heaven, 'Come out of her, My peo-
ple, that ye be not partakers of her sins,
and that ye receive not of her plagues.'
Revelation 18:4. As in the days of Noah
and Lot, there must be a marked separa-
tion from sin and sinners. There can be no
compromise between God and the world,
no turning back to secure earthly treasures.
`Ye cannot serve God and mammon.'
"—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 167.
NOTE.—"Notwithstanding the wide-
spread declension of faith and piety, there
are true followers of Christ in these
churches. Before the final visitation of
God's judgments upon the earth, there
will be among the people of the Lord such
a revival of primitive godliness as has not
been witnessed since apostolic times. The
Spirit and power of God will be poured
out upon His children. At that time
many will separate themselves from those
churches in which the love of this world
has supplanted love for God and His word.
Many, both of ministers and people, will
gladly accept those great truths which God
has caused to be proclaimed at this time
to prepare a people for the Lord's second
coming."—The
Great Controversy,
page
464.
4.
What is God's plan for gather-
ing in those who are not yet in the
fold of safety? Matt. 28:19, 20. Com-
pare Matt 24:14.
NOTE.—"The Lord has ordained that the
diffusion of light and truth in the earth
shall be dependent upon the efforts and
offerings of those who are partakers of the
heavenly gift. He might have made angels
the ambassadors of His truth; He might
have made known His will, as He pro-
claimed the law from Sinai, with His own
voice; but in His infinite love and wisdom
He called men to become colaborers with
Himself, by choosing them to do this
work."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
528.
Perilous, Sinful Days Foretold
5.
What description does the apos-
tle give of the general religious atmos-
phere of the last days? 2 Tim. 3:1, 5.
[4]
NOTE.—"As we near the close of earth's
history, perils and dangers thicken around
us. A mere profession of godliness will not
avail. There must be a living connection
with God, that we may have spiritual eye-
sight to discern the wickedness which is
in a most artful and secret manner creeping
into our midst through those who make a
profession of our
faith."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 139.
"A form of godliness will not save any.
All must have a deep and living experience.
This alone will save them in the time of
trouble."—Ibid., vol. 1, p. 125.
6.
What danger threatens those
who await the coming of the Lord?
Matt. 25:1-8.
NOTE.—"In this age of corruption when
our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about seeking whom he may de-
vour, I see the necessity of lifting my voice
in warning. 'Watch ye and pray, lest ye
enter into temptation.'
"—Testimonies, vol.
5,
p. 146.
"The two classes of watchers represent
the two classes who profess to be waiting
for their Lord. They are called virgins
because they profess a pure faith." "The
class represented by the foolish virgins are
not hypocrites. They have a regard for the
truth, . . . but they have not yielded them-
selves to the Holy Spirit's working. . . .
They do not know God. . . . This is the
class that in time of peril are found cry-
ing, Peace and safety. . . . When startled
from their lethargy, they discern their des-
titution, and entreat others to supply their
lack."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 406,
411.
7.
Why was the man with one
talent condemned? Matt. 25:25-28.
NoTE.—"The unfaithful steward did not
enrich himself with his master's goods;
he merely wasted them. He let idleness
take the place of sincere, wholehearted
labor."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 297.
8.
What service does Christ expect
of His church? Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"Shall we be less earnest than
were the apostles? Shall we not by living
faith claim the promises that moved them
to the depths of their being to call upon
the Lord Jesus for the fulfillment of His
word: 'Ask, and ye shall receive'? John
16:24. Is not the Spirit of God to come
today in answer to earnest, persevering
prayer, and fill men with power? . . . We
are to work with as much more fervor,
to be accompanied by the Holy Spirit in
as much greater measure, as the increase
of wickedness demands a more decided call
to repentance."—Testimonies, vol. 7, pp.
32, 33.
9.
What judgment awaits the
watchmen who neglect to warn sin-
ners of their danger? Ezek. 3:18, 19.
NOTE.—"We are now living in the clos-
ing scenes of this world's history. Let men
tremble with the sense of the responsibility
of knowing the truth. The ends of the
world are come. . . . The weighty obliga-
tion of warning a world of its coming
doom is upon us. . . . A world, perishing
in sin, is to be enlightened. . . . Now is
the time for the last warning to be given."
—Evangelism,
pages 16, 17.
"As a people we greatly need to humble
our hearts before God, pleading His for-
giveness for our neglect to fulfill the gospel
commission. . . . Let us now take up
the work appointed us, and proclaim the
message that is to arouse men and women
to a sense of their danger."—Ibid., p. 17.
Spirit and Power
10.
What spirit will actuate
Christ's true followers? 1 John 4:
11-13.
NOTE.—"Love is the basis of godliness.
Whatever the profession, no man has pure
love to God unless he has unselfish love
for his brother. But we can never come
into possession of this spirit by
trying
to
love others. What is needed is the love
of Christ in the heart. When self is merged
in Christ, love springs forth spontane-
ously. . . . If we love God because He
first loved us, we shall love all for whom
Christ died. We cannot come in touch
[6]
with divinity without coming in touch
with humanity. . . . Connected with
Christ, we are connected with our fellow-
men by the golden links of the chain of
love."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 384,
385.
11.
How important is love as the
motive for service? 1 Cor. 13:1-3.
NOTE.—"No matter how high his profes-
sion, he whose heart is not imbued with
love for God and for his fellowmen is not
a disciple of Christ. Though he should
possess great faith, and even have power
to work miracles, yet without love his
faith would be worthless. . . . The
strongest and noblest characters rest upon
the foundation of patience and love, and
trusting submission to the will of God.—
Testimonies, vol. 5,
p. 168.
12.
From what source did Paul de-
rive his enthusiasm to work for souls?
2 Cor. 5:14.
13.
How is God's final call of
mercy symbolically represented? Rev.
18:1.
NOTE.—"Great power and glory were
imparted to the angel, and as he descended,
the earth was lightened with his glory.
. . . Angels were sent to aid the mighty
angel from heaven. . . . The glory of
God rested upon the patient, waiting
saints, and they fearlessly gave the last
solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of
Babylon and calling upon God's people
to come out of her that they might escape
her fearful doom. . . . Some chose life
and took their stand with those who were
looking for their Lord and keeping all His
commandments. . . . Mighty miracles
were wrought, the sick were healed, and
signs and wonders followed the believers.
. . . I saw that this message will close
with power and strength far exceeding the
midnight
cry."—Early Writings,
pages 277,
278.
Lesson 2, for October 12, 1963
A Call to Revival
MEMORY VERSE:
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord
is risen upon thee." Isa. 60:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 20; "Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 405-421 (chapter, "To Meet the Bridegroom"); "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 71-79; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM: To
remind us of the source of our efficiency and power, and to en-
courage each individual to meet the conditions for receiving them.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
further from study helps.
0
learn memory verse.
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
O
further from study helps.
0
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps.
O
helps. •
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
[ 6
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Call to Awake
1.
Time for the indifferent to awake.
Rom. 13:11, 12.
2.
Laodicean posture described. Rev.
3:15.
3.
Dire consequences of this condi-
tion. Rev. 3:16.
4.
Nearness of Christ's coming impels
action. Rev. 1:3 ; 22:12.
II. Promised Revival
5. Attitude of believers in day of
God's power. Ps. 110:3, first part.
6.
How revival is accomplished. Joel
2:12, 13.
7.
Prerequisites to the bestowal of
power. Acts 1:8.
8.
Man's part in fulfillment of prom-
ise. Luke 11:9-13.
9.
Fruits of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22, 23.
10.
Obedience a condition of answered
prayer. 1 John 3:22.
Ill. World Reaction
11.
Truth received in various ways.
Matt. 13:19-23.
12.
The Christian's positive attitude
toward persecution. 2 Cor. 12 :10.
Luke 6:22, 23; Phil. 3:8.
THE LESSON
need now to be imbued with the spirit of
Christ, and we should not rest until we
receive
it."-Testimonies, vol. 5,
pp.
161,
162.
2. How does Christ describe the
state of the Laodicean church? Rev.
3:15.
Introduction
"When we have entire, wholehearted
consecration to the service of Christ, GOd
will recognize the fact by an outpouring
of His Spirit without measure; but this
will not be while the largest portion of
the church are not laborers together with
God."-Evangelism,
page 699.
Call to Awake
1. With what urgent message did
the apostle Paul seek to awaken in-
different church members? Rom. 13:
11, 12.
NOTE.-"We must be much in prayer if
we would make progress in the divine life.
When the message of truth was first pro-
claimed, how much we prayed. How often
was the voice of intercession heard in the
chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or
the grove. Frequently we spent hours in
earnest prayer, two or three together claim-
ing the promise; often the sound of weep-
ing was heard and then the voice of
thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now
the day of God is nearer than when we
first believed, and we should be more ear-
nest, more zealous, and fervent than in those
early days. Our perils are greater now
than then. Souls are more hardened. We
NOTE:
-"Never 'can
I
give the solemn
and vivid ,impression stamped upon my
mind, as
I
saw the • angel with the scales
weighing the thoughts and interest of the
people of God. Said the angel: 'Can such
enter heaven? No, no, never. Tell them
the hope they now possess is vain, and un-
less they speedily repent, and obtain salva-
tion, they must perish.' A form of godli-
ness will not save any. All must have a
deep and living experience. This alone will
save them in the time of trouble."-Testi-
monies, vol.
1, p.
125.
3. What dire consequences will fol-
low this lukewarm condition? Rev.
3:16.
NorE.-"Were you cold, there would be
some hope that you would be converted;
but where self-righteousness girds one
about, instead of the righteousness of
7
Christ, the deception is so difficult to be
seen,
and the self-righteousness so hard to
be put away, that the case is the most
difficult to reach. An unconverted, godless
sinner stands in a more favorable condi-
tion than
such."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 176.
4.
In view of the nearness of
Christ's coming, what attitude should
characterize each waiting believer?
Rev. 1:3; 22:12.
NoTE.—"Eternity stretches before us.
The curtain is about to be lifted. What
are we thinking of, that we cling to our
selfish love of ease, while all around us
souls are perishing? Have our hearts be-
come utterly callous? Can we not
see
and
understand that we have a work to do in
behalf of others? My brethren and sisters,
are you among those who, having eyes,
see not, and having ears, hear not? Is it
in vain that God has given you a knowl-
edge of His will? Is it in vain that He has
sent you warning after warning of the
nearness of the end? Do you believe the
declarations of His word concerning what
is coming upon the world? Do you be-
lieve that God's judgments are hanging
over the inhabitants of the earth? How,
then, can you sit at ease, careless and in-
different?"—Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 26, 27.
Promised Revival
5.
What words of the psalmist ap-
propriately describe the attitude of
God's people in the day of His power?
Ps. 110:3, first part.
6.
How did Joel say revival would
be accomplished? Joel 2:12, 13. Com-
pare Zech. 4:6; Matt. 3:11.
NOTE.—"The laborers will be qualified
rather by the unction of His Spirit than
by the training of literary institutions.
Men of faith and prayer will be constrained
to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the
words which God gives them."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 606.
7.
What did Jesus say was to pre-
cede the apostles' acts of witnessing?
Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"We are not to think that the
Spirit came into existence now for the first
time. It is quite possible for a power al-
ways to exist but for men to experience
or take it at some given moment. For
instance, men did not invent atomic power.
It always existed ; but only in our time
have men tapped it and experienced it. So
God is eternally Father, Son and Holy
Spirit, but there came to men a special
time when they experienced to the full
that power which had always been present.
"The power of the Spirit was going to
make them Christ's witnesses. That wit-
ness was to operate in an ever-extending
series of concentric circles, first in Jerusa-
lem, then throughout Judea; then Samaria,
the semi-Jewish state, would be a kind of
bridge leading out into the heathen world;
and finally this witness was to go out to
the ends of the earth."—William Barclay,
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 4.
8.
What must we do in order to
receive the promise? Luke 11:9-13.
NOTE.—"Arise and go to your Father.
He will meet you a great way off. If you
take even one step toward Him in repent-
ance, He will hasten to enfold you in His
arms of infinite love. His ear is open to
the cry of the contrite soul. The very first
reaching out of the heart after God is
known to Him. Never a prayer is offered,
however faltering, never a tear is shed,
however secret, never a sincere desire af-
ter God is cherished, however feeble, but
the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it.
Even before the prayer is uttered or the
yearning of the heart made known, grace
from Christ goes forth to meet the grace
that is working upon the human soul."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 206.
9.
What inner graces accompany
the Holy Spirit's presence? Gal. 5:
22, 23.
[8
]
"The spirit of unselfish labor
for others gives depth, sta-
bility, and Christlike loveli-
ness to the character, and
brings peace and happiness
to its possessor."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 80.
NOTE.—"As you receive the spirit of
Christ—the spirit of unselfish love and
labor for others—you will grow and bring
forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will
ripen in your character. Your faith will
increase, your convictions deepen, your
love be made perfect. . . . Were all who
profess His name bearing fruit to His
glory, how quickly the whole world would
be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quick-
ly the last great harvest would be ripened,
and Christ would come to gather the
precious
grain."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 68, 69.
10. What essential condition to an-
swered prayer does John stress? 1
John 3:22.
NoTE.—"All true obedience comes from
the heart. It was heart work with Christ.
And if we consent, He will so identify
Himself with our thoughts and aims, so
blend our hearts and minds into conform-
ity to His will, that when obeying Him
we shall be but carrying out our own
impulses. The will, refined and sanctified,
will find its highest delight in doing His
service. When we know God as it is our
privilege to know Him, our life will be a
life of continual obedience. Through an
appreciation of the character of Christ,
through communion with God, sin will be-
come hateful to
us."—The Desire of Ages,
page 668.
World Reaction
11.
In what varied ways will the
gospel message be received? Matt.
13:19-23.
NoTE.—"The spirit of the world is no
more in harmony with the spirit of Christ
today than in earlier times, and those who
preach the word of God in its purity will
be received with no greater favor now
than then. The forms of opposition to the
truth may change, the enmity may be less
open because it is more subtle; but the
same antagonism still exists and will be
manifested to the end of time."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 144.
12.
What should be the attitude of
the Christian toward persecution? 2
Cor. 12:10; Luke 6:22, 23; Phil. 3:8.
NoTE.—"God is bending from His throne
to hear the cry of the oppressed. To every
sincere prayer He answers, 'Here am I.'
He uplifts the distressed and downtrodden.
In all our afflictions He is afflicted. In
every temptation and every trial the angel
of His presence is near to deliver."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 356.
Lesson 3, for October 19, 1963
Warnings Against Apostasy
MEMORY VERSE:
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things
which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Heb. 2:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 3; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages
103-114; "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 542-549; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To reaffirm our belief in the ideals of the Christian faith, and to
show the divine requirement for reaching them.
9
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
0
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; begin
reading study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Standard of Perfection
1.
Spiritual perfection, the goal. Eph.
5:27.
2.
A solemn appeal to the people of
God. 1 Peter 2:9-12.
3.
Tares among the wheat. Matt.
13:26.
4.
Eyes to be fixed on Jesus. Heb. 12:
1, 2.
II. Divine Essentials
5.
No progress without prayer. Mark.
14:38.
6.
Daily Bible study essential. Ps.
119:9, 11; Acts 17:11.
III. Meeting Obstacles
7.
Christians subjected to extreme
social pressures. Matt. 10:35, 36.
8.
All man's needs to be supplied. Phil.
4:19.
9.
Attitude toward divisive elements.
Rom. 16:17, 18.
IV.
Apostasy and Loyalty
10.
Some hold form of godliness
2 Tim. 3:1, 5.
11.
The faithful give heed to doctrines.
1 Tim. 4:1, 2, 6, 7, 11-16.
12.
The backslider described. 2 Peter
2:21, 22.
13.
The Christian must hold fast. Heb.
10:35-39.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"We are to use every power of our be-
ing in His service, and after we have done
our utmost, we are still to regard ourselves
as unprofitable servants. Divine power will
unite with our efforts, and as we cling to
God with the hand of faith, Christ will im-
part to us His wisdom and His righteous-
ness. Thus, by His grace, we shall be
enabled to build upon the sure founda-
tion."-Evangelism, page 596.
The Standard of Perfection
1.
To what
high standard must the
church attain on earth before her en-
trance into the kingdom of
God?
Eph. 5:27.
NOTE.
-"The
Christian life is constantly
an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner
and purifier of His people; and when His
image is perfectly reflected in them, they
are perfect and holy, and prepared for
translation. A great work is required of
the Christian. We are exhorted to cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear
of God. Here we see where the great labor
rests. There is a constant work for the
Christian."-Testimonies, vol. 1,
p. 340.
2.
What solemn appeal does Peter
make? 1 Peter 2:9-12.
NOTE.
-"When
He comes He is not to
cleanse us of our sins, to remove from
us the defects in our character, or to cure
us of the infirmities of our tempers and
10
dispositions. If wrought for us at all, this
work will all be accomplished before that
time. When the Lord comes, those who
are holy will be holy still. Those who have
preserved their bodies and spirits in holi-
ness, in sanctification and honor, will then
receive the finishing touch of immortality.
. . .It is now that this work is to be
accomplished for us. . . . We are now
in God's workshop. Many of us are rough
stones from the quarry. But as we lay
hold upon the truth of God, its influence
affects us. It elevates us, and removes from
us every imperfection and sin, of what-
ever nature. Thus we are prepared to see
the King in His beauty, and finally to
unite with the pure and heavenly angels
in the kingdom of
glory."—Counsels on
Health,
page 44.
3.
What condition will be found
in the church as we near the end of
time? Matt. 13:26.
NOTE.—"The church of Christ on earth
will be imperfect, but God does not de-
stroy His church because of its imperfec-
tion. . . . There is to be no spasmodic,
zealous, hasty action taken by church mem-
bers in cutting off those they may think
defective in character. Tares will appear
among the wheat; but it would do more
harm to weed out the tares, unless in
God's appointed way, than to leave them
alone. While the Lord brings into the
church those who are truly converted,
Satan at the same time brings persons who
are not converted into its fellowship."—
Testimonies to Ministers,
page 46.
4.
What enables us to run the
Christian race with patience? Heb.
12:1, 2.
Divine Essentials
5.
What does the Master say of the
need of prayer? Mark 14:38.
NoTE.—"I have been shown that many
are in the greatest danger of failing to per-
fect holiness in the fear of the Lord. . . .
They do not see the importance of self-
knowledge and self-control. They do not
watch and pray, lest they enter into temp-
tation. If they would watch, they would
become acquainted with their weak points,
where they are most likely to be assailed
by temptation. With watchfulness and
prayer their weakest points can be so
guarded as to become their strongest points,
and they can encounter temptation with-
out being
overcome."—Testimonies,
vol. 2,
p. 511.
6.
How important is daily Bible
study to spiritual growth? Ps. 119:9,
11; Acts 17:11.
NorE.—"Temptations often appear ir-
resistible because, through neglect of prayer
and the study of the Bible, the tempted
one cannot readily remember God's prom-
ises and meet Satan with the Scripture
weapons. But angels are round about those
who are willing to be taught in divine
things; and in the time of great necessity
they will bring to their remembrance the
very truths which are needed. . . . But
the teachings of Christ must previously
have been stored in the mind in order for
the Spirit of God to bring them to our
remembrance in the time of peril. 'Thy
word have I hid in mine heart,' said David,
`that I might not sin against thee.'
"—The
Great Controversy,
page 600.
Meeting Obstacles
7.
In what words did Christ in-
dicate that the Christian would be
subjected to extreme pressure? Matt.
10:35, 36.
NoTE.—"The truth of God has never
been popular with the world. The natural
heart is ever averse to the truth. I thank
God that we must renounce the love of
the world, and pride of heart, and every-
thing which tends to idolatry, in order to
be followers of the Man of Calvary. Those
who obey the truth will never be loved
and honored by the
world."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 491.
8.
What assurance is given that all
man's needs will be supplied? Phil.
4:19. Compare Isa. 43:2.
NoTE.—"He who has given his life to
God in ministry to His children is linked
with Him who has all the resources of the
universe at His command. His life is bound
up by the golden chain of the immutable
promises with the life of God. The Lord
will not fail him in the hour of suffering
and need. 'My God shall supply all your
need according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:19. And in
the hour of final need the merciful shall
find refuge in the mercy of the compas-
sionate Saviour and shall be received into
everlasting habitations."—Thoughts
From
the Mount of Blessing,
page 24.
9.
What should be the Christian's
attitude toward those who cause divi-
sions in the church? Rom. 16:17, 18.
Apostasy and Loyalty
10.
What attitude should the Chris-
tian take toward those who hold
merely a form of godliness? 2 Tim.
3:1, 5.
NOTE.—"How often, in our own day,
is the love of pleasure disguised by a 'form
of godliness'! A religion that permits
men, while observing the rites of worship,
to devote themselves to selfish or sensual
gratification, is as pleasing to the multi-
tudes now as in the days of Israel. And
there are still pliant Aarons, who, while
holding positions of authority in the
church, will yield to the desires of the un-
consecrated, and thus encourage them in
sin."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 317.
11.
As some departed from the
faith, what did Paul urge Timothy to
do? 1 Tim. 4:1, 2, 6, 7, 11-16.
NOTE.—"A time of trouble is before us,
and every honest soul who has not had the
light of truth will then take a stand for
Christ. Those who believe the truth are
to be newly converted every
day."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 248.
12.
How does Peter describe the
backslider? 2 Peter 2:21, 22.
NOTE.—"Those who have once rejoiced
in the evidence of sins forgiven, who have
tasted a Saviour's love and who then per-
sist in uniting with the foes of Christ, re-
jecting the perfect righteousness that Jesus
offers them and choosing the ways that
He has condemned, will be more severely
judged than the heathen who have never
had the light and have never known God
or His law. . . . Their guilt and their
wages will be proportionate to the light
and privileges which they have had."—Tes-
tintonies, vol.
3, pp. 365, 366.
13.
What admonition is partic-
ularly appropriate in a time of luke-
warmness and apostasy? Heb. 10:35-
39.
NOTE.—"Now is the time for God's peo-
ple to show themselves true to principle.
When the religion of Christ is most held
in contempt, when His law is most de-
spised, then should our zeal be the warmest
and our courage and firmness the most un-
flinching. To stand in defense of truth
and righteousness when the majority for-
sake us, to fight the battles of the Lord
when champions are few—this will be our
test. At this time we must gather warmth
from the coldness of others, courage from
their cowardice, and loyalty from their
treason."—Testimonies, vol. 5,
p. 136.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
The senior Sabbath school lessons, slightly condensed, are pub-
lished each quarter in Braille and supplied free to the blind upon
request. Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Association, Box 66,
Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
[12
]
Lesson 4, for October 26, 1963
Fidelity in the Gathering Storm
MEMORY VERSE:
"Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is ever-
lasting strength." Isa. 26:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapters 17, 34, 35, 36; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To warn against any alliance that would destroy the church, and
to remind us of the ultimate triumph of the faithful.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
learn memory verse.
further from study helps.
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 5-8.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
reading study helps.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Signs of the Times
1.
Christ will come unexpectedly.
1 Thess. 5:2, 4, 5.
2. Disturbances in nature predicted.
Luke 21:25.
3. Sins of the last days portrayed.
2 Tim. 3:1-6.
4. The world has made void God's
law. Ps. 119:126.
II. God's Standard Altered
5. Attempt to change God's law. Dan.
7:25.
6.
Apparent success of the counter-
feit. 2 Thess. 2:8-11; Rev. 13:3, 4.
7.
Persecution to be revived. Rev. 13:
15-17; 1 Peter 4:12.
III. An Unholy Alliance
8.
The rise of spiritism predicted. Rev.
16:14; 13:13.
9.
Christ described deceptive miracles.
Matt. 24:24.
10.
Basic error of spiritism. Gen. 3:4.
11.
Tradition often nullifies truth.
Matt. 15:3.
12.
Warnings against deceptive work-
ings. Matt. 24:9-11.
13.
Promises to the faithful. Matt.
24:13; Isa. 26:4.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Confederacies will increase in number
and power as we draw nearer to the end
of time. These confederacies will create
opposing influences to the truth, forming
new parties of professed believers who
will act out their own delusive theories.
The apostacy will increase."-Evangelism,
page 363.
Signs of the Times
1. With what is the unexpected-
ness of Christ's coming compared, and
who, of all people, should be alert to
its nearness? 1 Thess. 5:2, 4, 5.
f13
]
NOTE.—"It is now that we must keep
ourselves and our children unspotted from
the world. It is now that we must wash
our robes of character and make them
white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now
that we must overcome pride, passion, and
spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we
must awake and make determined effort
for symmetry of
character."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, pp. 215, 216.
2.
What disturbances in nature
and among nations are predicted as
signs of the approaching end? Luke
21:25.
NOTE.—"The attention of the people
should be called to the momentous event
which is so near at hand. The signs of
the times should be kept fresh before their
minds. The prophetic visions of Daniel and
John foretell a period of moral darkness
and declension ; but at the time of the end,
the time in which we are now living, the
vision was to speak and not lie. When
the signs predicted begin to come to
pass, the waiting, watching ones are bid-
den to look up and lift up their heads
and rejoice because their redemption draw-
eth nigh. . . .
"Thank God, all will not be rocked to
sleep in the cradle of carnal security. There
will be faithful ones who will discern the
signs of the times. While a large number
professing present truth will deny their
faith by their works, there will be some
who will endure unto the
end."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, pp. 9, 10.
3.
How are the last days portrayed
in the Scriptures? 2 Tim. 3:1-6.
NoTE.—"There is coming rapidly and
surely an almost universal guilt upon the
inhabitants of the cities, because of the
steady increase of determined wickedness.
The corruption that prevails is beyond the
power of the human pen to describe. Every
day brings fresh revelations of strife,
bribery, and fraud; every day brings its
heart-sickening record of violence and law-
lessness, of indifference to human suffering,
of brutal, fiendish destruction of human
life. Every day testifies to the increase
of insanity, murder, and suicide. . . . Men
boast of the wonderful progress and en-
lightenment of the age in which we are now
living; but God sees the earth filled with
iniquity and violence. . . . The black rec-
ord of crime committed for the sake of gain
is enough to chill the blood and fill the soul
with
horror."—Prophets and Kings,
page
275.
4.
What will God do when men
have made void His law? Ps. 119:126.
NOTE.—"Like David, we may now pray,
`It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for
they have made void Thy law.' Men have
gone on in disobedience to God's law until
they have reached a point of insolence that
is unparalleled. Men are training in dis-
obedience, and are fast approaching the
limit of God's forbearance and love, and
God will surely interfere. He will surely
vindicate His honor and repress the pre-
vailing iniquity. Will God's command-
ment-keeping people be carried away with
the prevailing iniquity? . . . No. To
His church His law becomes more precious,
holy, honorable, as men cast upon it scorn
and
contempt."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 21.
God's Standard Altered
5.
According to Daniel the prophet,
what was to be done against God,
His law, and His people? Dan. 7:25.
NorE.—"Men will surely set up their
laws to counterwork the laws of God.
They will seek to compel the consciences
of others, and in their zeal to enforce these
laws they will oppress their fellowmen.
"The warfare against God's law, which
was begun in heaven, will be continued
until the end of time. Every man will be
tested. . . . All will be called to choose
between the laws of God and the laws of
men."—The Desire of Ages,
page 763.
6.
To what extent will the world
be deceived in the last days? Why?
2 Thess. 2:8-11; Rev. 13:3, 4.
L 14 3
NOTE.—"Worshiping the beast is in fact
worshiping the dragon, for the beast is
but the visible agency of the dragon, car-
rying out the dragon's program. The era
of the revived papacy will also be char-
acterized by a period when spiritism is
especially active. Back of spiritism is Satan
working 'with all deceivableness of un-
righteousness' (2 Thess. 2
:10)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Rev. 13:4.
7.
How severe will persecution be?
Rev. 13:15-17; 1 Peter 4:12.
NOTE.—"Fearful is the issue to which
the world is to be brought. The powers
of earth, uniting to war against the com-
mandments of God, will decree that 'all,
both small and great, rich and poor, free
and bond' (Revelation 13:16), shall con-
form to the customs of the church by the
observance of the false sabbath. All who
refuse compliance will be visited with civil
penalties, and it will finally be declared
that they are deserving of death."—The
Great Controversy,
page 604.
An Unholy Alliance
8.
How does the apostle John de-
scribe the workings of spirits of
devils? Rev. 16:14; 13:13.
NoTE.—"Many will be ensnared through
the belief that spiritualism is a merely
human imposture; when brought face to
face with manifestations which they can-
not but regard as supernatural, they will
be deceived, and will be led to accept them
as the great power of God. . . . 'He
doeth great wonders, so that he maketh
fire come down from heaven on the earth
in the sight of men, and deceiveth them
that dwell on the earth by the means of
those miracles which he had power to do.'
Revelation 13:13, 14. No mere impostures
are here foretold. Men are deceived by the
miracles which Satan's agents have power
to do, not which they pretend to do."—
The Great Controversy,
page 553.
9.
How did Christ describe decep-
tive miracles? Matt. 24:24.
Norc.—"I saw that the saints must get
a thorough understanding of present truth,
which they will be obliged to maintain
from the Scriptures. They must under-
stand the state of the dead; for the spirits
of devils will yet appear to them, professing
to be beloved friends and relatives, who
will declare to them that the Sabbath
has been changed, also other unscriptural
doctrines. They will do all in their power
to excite sympathy and will work miracles
before them to confirm what they declare.
. . . We must examine well the founda-
tion of our hope, for we shall have to
give a reason for it from the Scriptures."
—Early Writings,
pages 87, 88.
10.
What satanic falsehood ac-
cepted by many professed Christians
renders them susceptible to spiritism?
Gen. 3:4.
NoTE.—"Satan commenced his deception
in Eden. He said to Eve, 'Ye shall not
surely die.' This was Satan's first lesson
upon the immortality of the soul, and he
has carried on this deception from that
time to the present, and will carry it on
until the captivity of God's children shall
be turned. .
. It was a marvel to me
that Satan could succeed so well in mak-
ing men believe that the words of God,
`The soul that sinneth, it shall die,' mean
that the soul that sinneth it shall not die,
but live eternally in
misery."—Early Writ-
ings,
page 218.
11.
What effect can adherence to
tradition have? Matt. 15:3.
NOTE.—"The substitution of the precepts
of men for the commandments of God has
not ceased. Even among Christians are
found institutions and usages that have
no better foundation than the traditions
of the fathers. Such institutions, resting
upon mere human authority, have sup-
planted those of divine appointment. Men
cling to their traditions, and revere their
customs, and cherish hatred against those
who seek to show them their error. .
.
Let all who accept human authority, the
customs of the church, or the traditions
[15
]
of the fathers, take heed to the warning
conveyed in the words of Christ, 'In vain
they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men.'
"—The Desire
of Ages,
page 398.
12. Of what deceptive workings did
Christ give warning? Matt. 24:9-11.
NOTE.—"The world at large are under
the control of Satan, Christ's bitterest
foe. The gospel presents to them principles
of life which are wholly at variance with
their habits and desires, and they rise in
rebellion against it. They hate the purity
which reveals and condemns their sins,
"Shrinking from hardship,
complaining under tribula-
tion, makes the servants of
God weak and inefficient."
—Gospel Workers,
page 266.
and they persecute and destroy those who
would urge upon them its just and holy
claims."—The
Great Controversy,
page 47.
13.
What precious promises are
made to those who hold fast their
faith in the time of final testing?
Matt. 24:13; Isa. 26:4.
Lesson 5, for November 2, 1963
Righteousness Through Christ
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy
law is the truth." Ps. 119:142.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 307-319; "Testimonies," vol. 8,
pp. 247-254; "Steps to Christ," pages 43-48 (chapter, "Consecration"); "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To show the utter futility of human striving for merit with God,
our total depedence upon Christ, and heaven's enabling power.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; con-
learn memory verse.
tinue reading study helps.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 5-7.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
reading study helps.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Man and the Divine Ideal
1.
God's ideal for man.
Matt.
5:48;
Phil. 3:14, 15.
2.
Man incapable of righteousness.
Rom. 7:18, 19.
3.
Man's so-called righteousness as
filthy rags. Isa. 64:6.
4.
His need of divine help. Rom. 7:24.
II.
Divine
Provision
5.
Provision for man's redemption. 1
Peter 2:24.
6.
Man makes the decision. Rom. 6:16.
[ 16
7.
Faith claims divine grace. Rom.
5:1, 2.
III. The Divine Operation
8.
Past transgressions are forgiven.
Isa. 44:22.
9.
Strength to meet temptation prom-
ised. 1 Cor. 10:13.
10.
Obedience the result of inner grace.
1 John 2:2-4.
IV. Encouragement
11.
Sanctification is progressive. 1 Cor.
15:31; Phil. 3:13, 14.
12.
The repentant sinner is not cast
off. 1 John 2:1.
13.
He is given assurance of victory.
Isa. 49:15, 16; John 10:29.
THE LESSON
introduction
"God does not give us up because of
our sins. We may make mistakes, and
grieve His Spirit; but when we repent,
and come to Him with contrite hearts,
He will not turn us away. There are
hindrances to be removed. Wrong feelings
have been cherished, and there have been
pride, self-sufficiency, impatience, and mur-
murings. All these separate us from God.
Sins must be confessed ; there must be a
deeper work of grace in the
heart."-Se-
lected Messages,
b. 1, pp. 350, 351.
Man and the Divine Ideal
1.
Toward what lofty ideal is the
Christian to aspire? Matt. 5:48; Phil.
3:14, 15.
NOTE.-"The
Lord requires no less of the
soul now, than He required of Adam in
Paradise before he fell-perfect obedience,
unblemished righteousness."-Selected
Mes-
sages,
b. 1, p. 373.
2.
To what extent is man able to
satisfy God's requirements? Rom. 7:
18, 19.
NoTE.-"We look to self, as though we
had power to save ourselves; but Jesus
died for us because we are helpless to do
this."-Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 351.
3.
How does God regard all human
attempts at righteousness? Isa. 64:6.
NOTE.
-"We have not looked away from
ourselves, believing that Jesus is a living
Saviour. We must not think that our own
grace and merits will save us; the grace
of Christ is our only hope of salvation.
. . . We must believe the naked promise,
and not accept feeling for
faith."-Selected
Messages,
b. 1, p. 351.
4.
In what poignant words does
Paul express man's need for divine
help? Rom. 7:24.
NOTE.
-"Man
needs a power out of and
above himself to restore him to the like-
ness of
God."-Selected Messages,
b. 1, p.
375.
"Without the grace of Christ it is im-
possible to take one step in obedience to
the law of
God."-Ibid.,
p.
372.
Divine Provision
5.
By what great act of mercy did
God make possible man's redemp-
tion? 1 Peter 2:24.
NOTE.-"The
Redeemer of the world
clothed His divinity with humanity, that
He might reach humanity; for it took the
divine and the human to bring into the
world the salvation that was needed by
fallen man. Divinity needed humanity that
humanity might afford a channel of com-
munication between God and man."-Se-
lected Messages,
b. 1, p.
375.
"By His life and His death, Christ has
achieved even more than recovery from
[ 17 1
the ruin wrought through sin. It was
Satan's purpose to bring about an eternal
separation between God and man; but in
Christ we become more closely united
to God than if we had never fallen. In
taking our nature, the Saviour has bound
Himself to humanity by a tie that is never
to be broken. Through the eternal ages
He is linked with us. 'God so loved the
world, that He gave His only-begotten
Son.' John 3:16. He gave Him not only
to bear our sins and to die as our sacrifice;
He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure
us of His immutable counsel of peace, God
gave His only-begotten Son to become one
of the human family, forever to retain
His human nature. This is the pledge that
God will fulfill His word."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 25.
6.
What act of the human will
opens or shuts the door to righteous-
ness? Rom. 6:16.
NOTE.—"God requires the entire sur-
render of the heart, before justification can
take place; and in order for man to retain
justification, there must be continual obedi-
ence, through active, living faith that
works by love and purifies the
soul."—Se-
lected Messages,
b. 1, p. 366.
7.
By what means may humanity
lay active claim to divine grace? Rom.
5:1, 2.
NOTE.—"This faith leads its possessor
to place all the affections of the soul upon
Christ; his understanding is under the
control of the Holy Spirit, and his char-
acter is molded after the divine likeness.
His faith is not a dead faith, but a faith
that works by love, and leads him to be-
hold the beauty of Christ, and to become
assimilated to the divine character."—Se-
lected
Messages,
b. 1, pp. 391, 392.
The Divine Operation
8.
To the sinner who trusts fully
in Christ's merits, what assurance is
given concerning past transgressions?
Isa. 44:22.
NOTE.—"The great work that is wrought
for the sinner who is spotted and stained
by evil is the work of justification. By
Him who speaketb truth he is declared
righteous. The Lord imputes unto the be-
liever the righteousness of Christ and pro-
nounces him righteous before the universe.
He transfers his sins to Jesus, the sinner's
representative, substitute, and surety."—
Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 392.
9.
What provision is made for
meeting temptation? 1 Cor. 10:13.
NoTE.—"But though Christ is every-
thing, . . . we are to strive, wrestle,
agonize, watch, pray, lest we shall be over-
come by the wily foe. For the power and
grace with which we can do this comes
from God, and all the while we are to
trust in Him, who is able to save to the
uttermost all who come unto God by Him."
—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 381.
10.
What is revealed in the life of
the man who has been justified by
faith? 1 John 2:2-4.
NOTE.—"The law is to be presented to
its trangressors, not as something apart
from God, but rather as an exponent of
His mind and character. As the sunlight
cannot be separated from the sun, so God's
law cannot be rightly presented to man
apart from the divine Author. . . . It
reproves sin, it condemns the sinner, but
it shows him his need of Christ, with
whom is plenteous mercy and goodness
and
truth."—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 371.
Encouragement
11.
What words of the apostle Paul
indicate that perfection of character is
not suddenly attained? 1 Cor. 15:31;
Phil. 3:13, 14.
NOTE.—"The Scriptures plainly show
that the work of sanctification is progres-
sive."—The
Great Controversy,
page 470.
[ 18
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-10; read
further from study helps.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
"Sanctification is not the work of a
moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 560.
12. What provision has been made
for the repentant sinner? 1 John 2:1.
NOTE.—"There are those who have
known the pardoning love of Christ and
who
really desire
to be children of God,
yet they realize that their character is
imperfect, their life faulty, and they are
ready to doubt whether their hearts have
been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such
I would say, Do not draw back in despair.
We shall often have to bow down and
weep at the feet of Jesus because of our
shortcomings and mistakes, but we are
not to be discouraged. Even if we are
overcome by the enemy, we are not cast
off, not forsaken and rejected of God."—
Steps to Christ,
page 64. (Italics ours.)
These encouraging words should inspire
each student to seek anew, through re-
pentant faith, the favor of our Lord and
Saviour.
13. How secure is one who gives
himself wholeheartedly to Christ? Isa.
49:15, 16; John 10:29.
NOTE.—"The character is revealed, not
by occasional good deeds and occasional
misdeeds, but by the tendency of the
habitual words and
acts."—Steps to Christ,
pages 57, 58.
Lesson 6, for November 9, 1963
The Seal of the Living God
MEMORY VERSE:
"Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have
sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." Rev. 7:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 207-216; vol. 6, pp. 349-356; "The Great
Controversy," chapter 25; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To identify the seal of the living God and to cite the conditions
for receiving it.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Seal of God
1.
God delays the work of destruc-
tion. Rev. 7:1-3.
2.
God's servants sealed. Rev. 7:4.
3.
God's name written on the fore-
head. Rev. 14:1.
4.
The character of the 144,000. Rev.
14:4, 5.
II. The Mark of the Beast
5.
The distinguishing mark of apos-
tasy. Rev. 13:11-17.
19
6.
The punishment threatened for re-
ceiving the mark of the beast. Rev.
14:9-11.
Ill. A Distinguishing Sign
7.
Commandment keeping character-
izes saints. Rev. 14:12.
8.
The Sabbath a sign between God
and His people. Ezek. 20:12, 20.
9.
The identification of the Lawgiver.
Ex. 20:8-11.
10.
True Sabbath keeping described.
Isa. 58:13, 14.
IV. The Results of the Conflict
11.
Punishment meted out on the fol-
lowers of the beast. Rev. 19:19-21.
12.
Rewards bestowed on victors over
beast. Rev. 15:2-4.
13.
Privileges of the faithful. Rev. 22:
3-5.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"As the disrespect for God's law be-
comes more manifest, the line of demarca-
tion between its observers and the world
becomes more distinct. Love for the divine
precepts increases with one class accord-
ing as contempt for them increases with
another class.
"The crisis is fast approaching. The
rapidly swelling figures show that the time
for God's visitation has about come. Al-
though loath to punish, nevertheless He
will punish, and that speedily. Those who
walk in the light will see signs of the ap-
proaching peril; but they are not to sit
in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the
ruin, comforting themselves with the be-
lief that God will shelter His people in the
day of visitation. Far from it. They
should realize that it is their duty to labor
diligently to save others, looking with
strong faith to God for
help."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 209.
The Seal of God
1.
While John in vision watched
four angels holding the four winds
of the earth, what special messenger
from God appeared, and what was
his announcement? Rev. 7:1-3.
2.
Upon how many of God's ser-
vants was the seal affixed? Rev. 7:4.
NoTE.—"What is the seal of the living
God, which is placed in the foreheads of
His people? It is a mark which angels,
but not human eyes, can read; for the de-
stroying angel must see this mark of re-
demption."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 968.
"In a little while everyone who is a child
of God will have His seal placed upon him.
O that it may be placed upon our fore-
heads! Who can endure the thought of
being passed by when the angel goes forth
to seal the servants of God in their fore-
heads
?"—Ibid.,
pp. 969, 970.
3.
When John in a later vision saw
144,000 standing with the Lamb on
Mount Zion, what did he see in their
foreheads? Rev. 14:1.
NOTE.—"Unless the name of God is
written in your forehead,—written there
because God is the center of your thoughts,
—you will not be meet for the inheritance
in
light."—Counsels on Stewardship,
page
46.
4.
How is the character of the
144,000 described? Rev. 14:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Are we striving with all our
power to attain to the stature of men and
women in Christ? Are we seeking for His
fullness, ever pressing toward the mark
set before us—the perfection of His char-
acter? When the Lord's people reach this
mark, they will be sealed in their fore-
heads. Filled with the Spirit, they will
be complete in Christ, and the recording
[ 20 ]
angel will declare, 'It is finished.' "—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 6, p. 1118.
"Not one of us will ever receive the seal
of God while our characters have one spot
or stain upon them." "The seal of God will
never be placed upon the forehead of an
impure man or woman. It will never be
placed upon the forehead of the ambitious,
world-loving man or woman. It will never
be placed upon the forehead of men or
women of false tongues or deceitful hearts.
All who receive the seal must be without
spot before God—candidates for heaven."
—Testimonies, vol. 5,
pp. 214, 216.
Why should anyone hear the
gospel twice before everyone
has heard it once?
The Mark of the Beast
5. In John's vision of apostate, per-
secuting powers, how are the wor-
shipers of the beast and his image
distinguished? Rev. 13:11-17.
NorE.—The Greek of verse 17 may very
properly be translated as follows: "No
one was allowed to buy or sell unless he
bore this beast's mark, either name or
number."
(The New English Bible, ©
The
Delegates of the Oxford University Press
and the Syndics of the Cambridge Univer-
sity Press. Used by permission of the Ox-
ford University Press.)
"If the light of truth has been presented
to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth
commandment, and showing that there is
no foundation in the word of God for
Sunday observance, and yet you still cling
to the false sabbath, refusing to keep
holy the Sabbath which God calls 'My
holy day,' you receive the mark of the
beast. When does this take place? When
you obey the decree that commands you
to cease from labor on Sunday and wor-
ship God, while you know that there is
not a word in the Bible showing Sunday
to be other than a common working day,
you consent to receive the mark of the
beast, and refuse the seal of God."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
7, p. 980.
"Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of
the beast, and will not be until the de-
cree goes forth causing men to worship
this idol sabbath. The time will come
when this day will be the test, but that
time has not come
yet."—Ibid.,
p. 977.
6.
What fearful punishment is
threatened against those who receive
the mark of the beast? Rev. 14:9-11.
A Distinguishing Sign
7.
In this period of conflict, how
are the saints characterized? Rev. 14:
12. Compare Rev. 12:17.
NOTE.—"Obedience is the test of disciple-
ship. It is the keeping of the command-
ments that proves the sincerity of our pro-
fessions of love. When the doctrine we
accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the
soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holi-
ness, we may know that it is the truth
of
God."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 146.
8.
What command of the Decalogue
did God single out as a special sign
between Him and His people? Ezek.
20:12, 20.
NOTE.—"The Sabbath is a sign of the
relationship existing between God and
His people, a sign that they are His obedi-
ent subjects, that they keep holy His law.
The observance of the Sabbath is the
means ordained by God of preserving a
knowledge of Himself and of distinguish-
ing between His loyal subjects and the
transgressors of His
law."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 198.
9.
How is God who gave the Sab-
bath identified? Ex. 20:8-11.
[ 21 ]
NoTE.—"The seal of God's law is found
in the fourth commandment. This only,
of all the ten, brings to view both the
name and the title of the Lawgiver. It
declares Him to be the Creator of the
heavens and the earth, and thus shows
His claim to reverence and worship above
all others. Aside from this precept, there
is nothing in the Decalogue to show by
whose authority the law is given. When
the Sabbath was changed by the papal
power, the seal was taken from the law.
The disciples of Jesus are called upon to
restore it by exalting the Sabbath of the
fourth commandment to its rightful posi-
tion as the Creator's memorial and the
sign of His authority."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 452.
10. In God's appeal to ancient
Israel through Isaiah, how is true
Sabbath keeping described? Isa. 58:
13, 14.
NOTE.—"Those who desire to have the
seal of God in their foreheads must keep
the Sabbath of the fourth commandment."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 981.
"Not all who profess to keep the Sab-
bath will be sealed. There are many
even among those who teach the truth to
others who will not receive the seal of
God in their
foreheads."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, pp. 213, 214.
"The seal of the living God is placed
upon those who conscientiously keep the
Sabbath of the Lord."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 980.
"To those who keep holy the Sabbath
day it is the sign of sanctification. True
sanctification is harmony with God, one-
ness with Him in character. It is received
through obedience to those principles that
are the transcript of His character. And
the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He
who from the heart obeys the fourth com-
mandment will obey the whole
law."—Tes-
timonies,
vol. 6, p. 350.
"We are not merely to observe the Sab-
bath as a legal matter. We are to under-
stand its spiritual bearing upon all the
transactions of life. All who regard the
Sabbath as a sign between them and God,
showing that He is the God who sanctifies
them, will represent the principles of His
government. They will bring into daily
practice the laws of His kingdom. Daily
it will be their prayer that the sanctifica-
tion of the Sabbath may rest upon them.
Every day they will have the companion-
ship of Christ and will exemplify the per-
fection of His character. Every day their
light will shine forth to others in good
works."—Ibid.,
pp. 353, 354.
The Results of the Conflict
11.
Where did John finally see
those who had received the mark of
the beast and his image? Rev. 19:
19-21.
NOTE.—"For six thousand years the
great controversy has been in progress; the
Son of God and His heavenly messengers
have been in conflict with the power of
the evil one, to warn, enlighten, and save
the children of men. Now all have made
their decision; the wicked have fully united
with Satan in his warfare against God. The
time has come for God to vindicate the
authority of His downtrodden law. Now
the controversy is not alone with Satan,
but with men."—The
Great Controversy,
page 656.
12.
Where did John finally see
those who had gained the victory
over the beast and his image, and over
his mark? Rev. 15:2-4.
13.
What will be the blessed priv-
ilege of those who have served God
faithfully and have received His name
in their foreheads? Rev. 22:3-5.
There can be no true part-
nership with God unless He
has first place in your life.
[
22]
Lesson 7, for November 16, 1963
The Sabbath—Vital Issue Through the Ages
MEMORY VERSE:
"And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and
not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 26; "The Desire of Ages," chapter
29; "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 29; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To emphasize the sanctity of the Sabbath and show its place and
importance in the Christian's experience.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin
reading study helps.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Sabbath Instituted
1.
At close
of creation week. Gen.
2:1-3.
2.
Embodied in the Decalogue. Ex.
20:1-17.
3.
To be a perpetual covenant. Ex.
31:16, 17.
4.
To stand forever. Matt. 5:17-19.
II. The Sabbath Identified
5.
The seventh day, not simply "one
in seven." Ex. 20:10, first part.
6.
The Sabbath, the day following
Friday. Mark 15:42.
7. The Sabbath, the day preceding
Sunday. Mark 16:1, 2.
III. The Significance of the Sabbath
8.
The Sabbath is the Lord's day. Ex.
20:10; Isa. 58:13; Mark 2:28.
9.
The Sabbath should be hallowed.
Ezek. 20:20.
10.
New Testament Christians honored
the Sabbath. Luke 23:56.
11.
The Sabbath makes provision for
physical rest. Ex. 20:10, last part.
12.
Sabbath rest compared to soul rest.
Heb. 4:1, 4-6.
13.
Conflict over the Sabbath sym-
bolized. Rev. 13:15-17.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The commandment of God that has
been almost universally made void, is the
testing truth for this time. . . . The time
is coming when all those who worship God
will be distinguished by this sign. They
will be known as the servants of God,
by this mark of their allegiance to Heaven."
—Evangelism,
page 212.
The Sabbath Instituted
1. After the heavens and the earth
were finished, what important acts
did God perform? Genesis 2:1-3.
NOTE.—"When the morning stars sang
together, and all the sons of God shouted
1
231
for joy, the Sabbath was given to the
world, that man might ever remember that
in six days God created the world. He
rested upon the seventh day, blessing it
as the day of His rest, and gave it to the
beings He had created, that they might
remember Him as the true and living God."
—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 197.
2.
In what law was the Sabbath
embodied? Exodus 20:1-17.
NoTE.—"The Sabbath was embodied in
the law given from Sinai; but it was not
then first made known as a day of rest.
The people of Israel had a knowledge of
it before they came to Sinai. On the way
thither the Sabbath was kept. When some
profaned it, the Lord reproved them, say-
ing, 'How long refuse ye to keep My com-
mandments and My laws?' Ex. 16:28."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 283.
3.
In His instruction to the Israel-
ites, how did God stress the impor-
tance and permanence of the Sabbath?
Exodus 31:16, 17.
NOTE.—"As the Sabbath was the sign
that distinguished Israel when they came
out of Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan,
so it is the sign that now distinguishes
God's people as they come out from the
world to enter the heavenly rest. The Sab-
bath is a sign of the relationship existing
between God and His people, a sign that
they honor His law. It distinguishes be-
tween His loyal subjects and transgres-
sors."—Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 349, 350.
4.
How long did Jesus say the law
was to remain in force? Matthew 5:
17-19.
NOTE.—"The Sabbath was not for Israel
merely, but for the world. It had been
made known to man in Eden, and, like
the other precepts of the Decalogue, it
is of imperishable obligation. Of that law
of which the fourth commandment forms
a part, Christ declares, 'Till heaven and
[ 24
earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in
no wise pass from the law.' So long as
the heavens and the earth endure, the Sab-
bath will continue as a sign of the Crea-
tor's power. And when Eden shall bloom
on earth again, God's holy rest day will
be honored by all beneath the sun."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 283.
The Sabbath Identified
5.
What statement in the Ten Com-
mandments indicates that the Sabbath
is a specific day, and not merely one
day in seven? Ex. 20:10, first part.
NOTE.—"By thus setting apart the Sab-
bath, God gave the world a memorial.
He did not set apart one day and any
day in seven, but one particular day, the
seventh day. And by observing the Sab-
bath, we show that we recognize God as
the living God, the Creator of heaven and
earth."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page
136.
6.
With relation to the preparation
day (Friday), what position does the
Sabbath hold in the weekly cycle?
Mark 15:42.
7.
In what language does the same
writer indicate that the resurrection
day (Sunday) immediately follows the
New Testament Sabbath? Mark 16:
1, 2.
The Significance of the Sabbath
8.
In what way has Scripture identi-
fied the Sabbath as the Lord's day?
Ex. 20:10; Isa. 58:13; Mark 2:28.
NOTE.—"The great Jehovah . . . in-
stituted the Sabbath day and made it holy.
God blessed and sanctified the seventh
day, because He rested upon it from all
His wondrous work of creation. The Sab-
bath was made for man, and God would
have him put by his labor on that day,
as He Himself rested after His six days'
work of
creation."—Testimonies,
vol. 4,
p. 247.
9.
What should be the attitude of
God's children toward that holy day?
Ezek. 20:20.
NOTE.—"To all who receive the Sabbath
as a sign of Christ's creative and redeem-
ing power, it will be a delight. Seeing
Christ in it, they delight themselves in
Him. The Sabbath points them to the
works of creation as an evidence of His
mighty power in redemption."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 289.
10.
What evidence is there that
New Testament Christians recognized
this obligation? Luke 23:56.
11.
In addition to showing our re-
spect for God, what further benefit
do we receive from Sabbath observ-
ance? Ex. 20:10, last part.
NoTE.—"The Sabbath is not intended
to be a period of useless inactivity. The
law forbids secular labor on the rest day
of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood
must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure
or profit is lawful upon that day; but
as God ceased His labor of creating, and
rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it,
so man is to leave the occupations of his
daily life, and devote those sacred hours
to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy
deeds."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 207.
12.
To what does Paul compare
Sabbath rest? Heb. 4:1, 4-6.
13.
In what symbolic language
does the seer of Patmos forecast the
persecution of those who refuse to
worship the beast? Rev. 13:15-17.
NOTE.—"Fearful is the issue to which
the world is to be brought. The powers
of earth, uniting to war against the com-
mandments of God, will decree that 'all,
both small and great, rich and poor, free
and bond' (Revelation 13:16), shall con-
form to the customs of the church by the
observance of the false sabbath. All who
refuse compliance will be visited with civil
penalties, and it will finally be declared
that they are deserving of death. On the
other hand, the law of God enjoining the
Creator's rest day demands obedience and
threatens wrath against all who transgress
its precepts.
"With the issue thus clearly brought be-
fore him, whoever shall trample upon God's
law to obey a human enactment receives
the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign
of allegiance to the power which he chooses
to obey instead of God."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 604.
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in the
following foreign languages: Czech, German, Hungarian, Italian,
Polish, Russian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugo-
slay. Write to the Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain
View, California, for any of these quarterlies for the strangers
within your gates.
[ 25]
Lesson 8, for November 23, 1963
Faithfulness Under Persecution
MEMORY VERSE:
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere
preaching the word." Acts
8:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter
38;
"The Acts of the Apostles,"
chapter 8; "Messages to Young People," pages 199-207; "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 353-365; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To review the history of religious persecution
as an
aid to Christian
growth and church revival and evangelism.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Check Here
Wednesday: Begin reading study
learn memory verse.
helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Read further from study
Monday: Questions 5-8.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
Friday: Finish reading study helps;
review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Persecution a Blessing
1.
Friction foretold between Christian
workers and the world. Matt.
10:22.
2.
The Christian to be wise but gentle.
Matt. 10:16.
3.
Trials for Christ's sake to be ac-
cepted without complaint. 1 Peter
4:12, 13.
4.
Some suffering not for Christ's
sake. 1 Peter 4:15.
II. Revival
5. Persecution spread the gospel in
apostolic times. Acts 8:4; 11:19-21.
6.
God's people to
bear witness every-
where. Mark 16:15.
7.
Fruit bearing an evidence of dis-
cipleship. John 15:5.
8.
The indifferent to suffer denial by
Christ. Matt. 25:41-43.
III. The Ingathering of Israel
9.
The Lord to recover His people the
second time. Isa. 11:11.
10.
Challenge to Israel comes to God's
people today. Isa. 6:8.
11.
Strength promised to those who
serve God. Isa. 41:10; Ps. 126:6.
12.
Even the haughty will finally exalt
Him. Isa. 2:10, 11.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The Spirit is poured out
upon all who
will yield to its promptings, and, casting
off all man's machinery, his binding rules
and cautious methods, they will declare
the truth with the might of the Spirit's
power. Multitudes will receive the faith
and join the armies of the
Lord."—Evan-
gelism,
page 700.
[ 26 ]
Persecution a Blessing
1.
What will be the attitude of the
world toward the gospel work?
Matt. 10:22.
NOTE.—"The world is no more in har-
mony with the principles of Christ today
than it was in the days of the apostles.
. . . The same spirit which in the Dark
Ages consigned men and women to prison,
to exile, and to death, . . . is still at
work with malignant energy in unregenerate
hearts."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 85.
2.
What counsel should the Chris-
tian follow under perilous circum-
stances? Matt. 10:16.
3.
What attitude should the Chris-
tian assume toward trial for Christ's
sake? 1 Peter 4:12, 13.
NoTE.—"If you do not feel that it is an
honor to be a partaker of the sufferings
of Christ; if you feel no burden of soul
for those who are ready to perish; if you
are unwilling to sacrifice that you may
save means for the work that is to be
done, there will be no room for you in the
kingdom of God. We need to be par-
takers with Christ of His sufferings and
self-denial at every step. We need to have
the Spirit of God resting upon us, leading
us to constant self-sacrifice."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 103, 104.
4.
For what kind of offenses should
the Christian never have to suffer?
1 Peter 4:15.
NOTE.—"It is a privilege to suffer for
the name of Christ, and thereby bring
honor to His name. But if a Christian
commits some evil deed he gives the
heathen an opportunity to ridicule the
church and blaspheme the name of Christ."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter
4:15.
Revival
5.
When persecution struck the
early church, what positive effect did
it have? Acts 8:4; 11:19-21.
NoTE.—"To scatter His representatives
abroad, where they could work for others,
God permitted persecution to come upon
them. Driven from Jerusalem, the be-
lievers 'went everywhere preaching the
word.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
page
105.
6.
How extensive is to be the field
of missionary laborers? Mark 16:15.
NoTE.—"With the whole world before
them in need of the gospel, professed Chris-
tians congregate where they themselves
can enjoy gospel privileges. They do not
feel the necessity of occupying new terri-
tory, carrying the message of salvation in-
to regions beyond. They refuse to fulfill
Christ's commission, 'Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every
creature.'
"—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
303.
7.
What is an evidence of disciple-
ship? John 15:5.
NOTE.—"There is a wide difference be-
tween a pretended union and a real con-
nection with Christ by faith. A profes-
sion of the truth places men in the church,
but this does not prove that they have a
vital connection with the living Vine. A
rule is given by which the true disciple
may be distinguished from those who claim
to follow on
e
but have not faith in
Him. The one class are fruit bearing, the
other, fruitless. The one are often sub-
jected to the pruning knife of God that
they may bring forth more fruit; the other,
as withered branches, are erelong to be
severed from the living
Vine."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, pp. 228, 229.
8.
What judgment is pronounced
upon those who are indifferent to the
needs of others? Matt. 25:41-43.
[ 27 ]
NoTE.—"Those on the left hand of
Christ, those who had neglected Him in
the person of the poor and the suffering,
were unconscious of their guilt. Satan had
blinded them ; they had not perceived
what they owed to their brethren. They
had been self-absorbed, and cared not for
others' needs. . . . Those who them-
selves have not endured the pressure of
want too often treat the poor in a con-
temptuous way, and make them feel that
they are looked upon as paupers.
"But Christ beholds it all. . . . All
the days of your life I was near you in
the person of these afflicted ones, but you
did not seek Me. You would not enter
into fellowship with Me. I know you
not."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 639, 640.
The Ingathering of Israel
9.
What promise of ingathering
formerly made to literal Israel can be
an inspiration to God's people today?
Isa. 11:11.
NoTE.—"I have been deeply impressed
by scenes that have recently passed be-
fore me in the night season. There seemed
to be a great movement—a work of re-
vival—going forward in many places. Our
people were moving into line, responding
to God's call. My brethren, the Lord is
speaking to us. Shall we not heed His
voice?"—Testimonies to Ministers,
page
515.
10.
What pointed challenge that
came to Isaiah comes to us individu-
ally today? Isa. 6:8.
NotE.—"To everyone who becomes a
partaker of His grace the Lord appoints
a work for others. Individually we are
to stand in our lot and place, saying,
`Here am I; send me.' Isaiah 6:8. Upon
the minister of the word, the missionary
nurse, the Christian physician, the indi-
vidual Christian, whether he be merchant
or farmer, professional man or mechanic
—the responsibility rests upon all. It is
our work to reveal to men the gospel of
their salvation. Every enterprise in which
we engage should be a means to this end."
—The Ministry of Healing,
page 148.
11.
What assurance is given all who
go forth in the name of the Lord?
Isa. 41:10; Ps. 126:6.
Nom.—"Every worker who follows the
example of Christ will be prepared to re-
ceive and use the power that God has
promised to His church for the ripening
of earth's harvest. Morning by morning,
as the heralds of the gospel kneel before
the Lord and renew their vows of con-
secration to Him, He will grant them the
presence of His Spirit, with its reviving,
sanctifying power. As they go forth to
the day's duties, they have the assurance
that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit
enables them to be 'laborers together with
God.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
page .56.
12.
What will be the experience
of persecutors in the last great day?
Isa. 2:10, 11.
Lesson 9, for November 30, 1963
The Close of Probation
MEMORY VERSE:
"The harvest is past,
the summer is ended, and we are not
saved." Jer. 8:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 3; "Steps to Christ," chapter,
"Repentance;" "The Great Controversy," first 2 pages of chapter 39; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To clarify events preceding the withdrawal of God's mercy from
the earth, and to encourage preparation for it.
[ 28 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Certainty of Death
1.
All men under the sentence of
death. Heb. 9:27.
2.
Death the natural consequence of
sin. Rom. 5:12.
3.
After death, no opportunity to
know God. Ps. 6:4, 5.
4.
Opportunity to redeem life ceases
at death. Eccl. 9:10.
II. Day of Salvation
5.
Every man has a measure of faith.
Rom. 12:3, 4.
6.
One source for all enlightenment.
John 1:9.
7.
Paul's objective, a clear conscience.
Acts 24:16.
8.
Repeated transgression deadens the
conscience. 1 Tim. 4:2.
9.
Continued disobedience may grieve
the Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:30.
III. The Door of Mercy Shut
10.
The gospel commission. Matt. 28:
19; Rev. 14:6-12.
11.
Hosea urges need to seek the Lord.
Hosea 10:12.
12.
The faithful will be delivered. Dan.
12:1.
13.
The proclamation of probation's
close. Rev. 22:11, 12.
14.
All must prepare to meet God.
Amos 4:12.
Introduction
THE LESSON
2. How did death enter the world?
Rom. 5:12.
"We must
no longer remain upon the en-
chanted ground. We are fast approaching
the close of
our
probation. Let every soul
inquire, How do I stand before God? We
know not how soon our names may be
taken into the lips of Christ, and our cases
be
finally decided. What, oh, what will
these decisions be! Shall we be counted
with the righteous, or shall we be num-
bered with the
wicked?"-Selected Mes-
sages,
b.
1,
pp. 125, 126.
The Certainty of Death
1. Since the fall of Adam, what un-
welcome appointment awaits every
member of the human race? Heb.
9:27.
NoTE.-"Immortality, promised to man
on condition of obedience,
had been for-
feited
by transgression. Adam could not
transmit to his posterity that which he did
not possess; and there could have been no
hope for the fallen race had not God, by
the sacrifice of His Son, brought immor-
tality within their reach."-The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 533.
3. After death, what opportunity
exists for such things as repentance,
confession, conversion, and restitu-
tion? Ps. 6:4, 5.
[
291
NOTE.—"Upon the fundamental error of
natural immortality rests the doctrine of
consciousness in death—a doctrine, like
eternal torment, opposed to the teachings
of the Scriptures, to the dictates of reason,
and to our feelings of humanity. . .
"What say the Scriptures concerning
these things? David declares that man is
not conscious in death. 'His breath goeth
forth, he returneth to his earth; in that
very day his thoughts perish.'
"—The Great
Controversy,
page 545.
4.
In view of the prospect of death
to every man, what pertinent advice
is given? Eccl. 9:10.
NoTE.—"Do not pass by the little things,
and look for a large work. You might do
successfully the small work, but fail utterly
in attempting a large work and fall into
discouragement. Take hold wherever you
see that there is work to be done. Whether
you are rich or poor, great or humble, God
calls you into active service for Him. It
will be by doing with your might what
your hands find to do that you will de-
velop talent and aptitude for the work.
And it is by neglecting your daily oppor-
tunities that you become fruitless and
withered. This is why there are so many
fruitless trees in the garden of the Lord."
—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 129.
The Day of Salvation
5.
With what Christian virtue has
God endowed every man, woman, and
child? Rom. 12:3, 4.
NOTE.—"Faith that enables us to receive
God's gifts is itself a gift, of which some
measure is imparted to every human be-
ing. It grows as exercised in appropriating
the word of God. In order to strengthen
faith, we must often bring it in contact
with the
word."—Education,
pages 253,
254.
"Faith is the gift of God, but the power
to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by
which the soul takes hold upon the divine
offers of grace and
mercy."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 431.
6.
By whom only are all men en-
lightened? John 1:9.
NOTE.—"We can trace the line of the
world's teachers as far back as human
records extend; but the Light was before
them. As the moon and the stars of our
solar system shine by the reflected light
of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is
true, do the world's great thinkers reflect
the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every
gleam of thought, every flash of the in-
tellect, is from the Light of the world."
—Education,
pages 13, 14.
7.
What was the apostle Paul's
principal aim in life? Acts 24:16.
NOTE.—"This daily review of our acts,
to see whether conscience approves or con-
demns, is necessary for all who wish to
arrive at the perfection of Christian char-
acter. Many acts which pass for good
works, even deeds of benevolence, will,
when closely investigated, be found to be
prompted by wrong motives. . . . Every
act of our lives, whether excellent and
praiseworthy or deserving of censure, is
judged by the Searcher of hearts according
to the motives which prompted
it."—Tes-
tinzonies, vol.
2, p. 512.
8.
How does repeated transgression
affect the conscience? 1 Tim. 4:2.
NoTE.—"Many . . . do not exemplify
the truth in their lives. They have special
exercises upon sanctification, yet cast the
word of God behind them. They pray
sanctification, sing sanctification, and shout
sanctification. Men with corrupt hearts
put on the air of innocence, and profess
to be consecrated; but this is no evidence
that they are right. Their deeds testify of
them. Their consciences are seared, but
the day of God's visitation is coming, and
every man's work shall be manifest, of
what sort it is. And every man shall re-
ceive according to his
deeds."—Testimonies,
vol.
1, p. 338.
[30]
"He supplies men with re-
sources, that by their gifts
and offerings they may keep
His work advancing."
—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 36.
9.
What fatal danger lies in con-
tinued disregard of the voice of con-
science? Eph. 4:30. Compare Gen.
6:3.
NorE.—"Those who are quieting a guilty
conscience with the thought that they can
change a course of evil when they choose,
that they can trifle with the invitations of
mercy, and yet be again and again im-
pressed, take this course at their peril.
They think that after casting all their in-
fluence on the side of the great rebel, in
a moment of utmost extremity, when dan-
ger compasses them about, they will change
leaders. But this is not so easily done.
The experience, the education, the disci-
pline of a life of sinful indulgence, has so
thoroughly molded the character that they
cannot then receive the image of Jesus.
Had no light shone upon their pathway,
the case would have been different. Mercy
might interpose, and give them an oppor-
tunity to accept her overtures; but after
light has been long rejected and despised,
it will be finally
withdrawn."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 269.
The Door of Mercy Shut
10.
Before the coming of the Lord
what message is the church commis-
sioned to give? Matt. 28:19; Rev.
14:6-12.
NOTE.—"Service to God includes per-
sonal ministry. By personal effort we are
to cooperate with Him for the saving of
the world. Christ's commission, `Go ye into
all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature,' is spoken to every one of
His followers. (Mark 16:15.) All who are
ordained unto the life of Christ are or-
dained to work for the salvation of their
fellowmen. Their hearts will throb in uni-
son with the heart of Christ. The same
longing for souls that He has felt will be
manifest in them. Not all can fill the same
place in the work, but there is a place
and a work for
all."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
pages 300, 301.
11.
What earnest appeal did Hosea
make to Israel? Hosea 10:12.
NorE.—"But near the close of earth's
harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace
is promised to prepare the church for the
coming of the Son of man. This outpour-
ing of the Spirit is likened to the falling
of the latter rain; and it is for this added
power that Christians are to send their
petitions to the Lord of the harvest 'in
the time of the latter rain.'
"—The Acts of
the Apostles,
page 55.
12.
What events follow the standing
up of Michael? Dan. 12:1.
NOTE.—"When the work of investiga-
tion shall be ended, when the cases of
those who in all ages have professed to
be followers of Christ have been exam-
ined and decided, then, and not till then,
probation will close, and the door of mercy
will be shut. Thus in the one short sen-
tence, 'They that were ready went in with
Him to the marriage: and the door was
shut,' we are carried down through the
Saviour's final ministration, to the time
when the great work for man's salvation
shall be completed."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 428.
13.
What solemn announcement is
made shortly before the appearance
of the Son of man? Rev. 22:11, 12.
NOTE.—"When the third angel's message
closes, mercy no longer pleads for the
guilty inhabitants of the earth. . . . Then
[
31]
Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctu-
ary above. He lifts His hands, and with
a loud voice says, 'It is done;' and all
the angelic host lay off their crowns as He
makes the solemn announcement: 'He that
is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he
which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and
he that is righteous, let him be righteous
still: and he that is holy, let him be holy
still.' Revelation 22:11. Every case has
been decided for life or death. Christ has
made the atonement for His people and
blotted out their sins."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
pages 613, 614.
"These words are especially applicable to
the time when each person's future is ir-
revocably settled. Such a decree comes
at the close of the investigative judgment.
. . . Men are to be permitted to live
the life of their own choosing, so that their
true character may become apparent. Each
person of each age will be made manifest
in respect to the class in which he belongs,
at the second coming of Christ."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Rev.
22:11.
14. In the light of impending judg-
ments, what did Amos urge his peo-
ple to do? Amos 4:12. Compare Isa.
55:6, 7.
NOTE.
-"It
is the first and highest duty
of every rational being to learn from the
Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk
in the light and encourage others to follow
his example. We should day by day study
the Bible diligently, weighing every thought
and comparing scripture with scripture.
With divine help we are to form our
opinions for ourselves as we are to answer
for ourselves before God."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 598.
Lesson 10, for December 7, 1963
The Time of Trouble
MEMORY VERSE:
"He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him:
I
will be with
him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him." Ps. 91:15.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 201, 202; "Testimonies," vol. 5,
pp. 449-476; "The Great Controversy," chapter
39; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To point out the purpose of trials, discovering in them God's mercy
in dealing with His children.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 11,
12;
read
learn memory verse.
further from study helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 6, 7; begin
helps.
reading study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read
further from study helps.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Object of Trial
1. Spiritual results of tribulation.
Rom. 5:3, 4.
[32 ]
2.
The Christian's reaction to perse-
cution. Matt. 5:10-12.
3.
No temptation too hard to endure.
1 Cor. 10:13.
4.
A share in Christ's sufferings, the
Christian's privilege. James 1:2-4,
12; 1 Peter 4:12, 13.
5.
A crown of righteousness awaits
the faithful. 2 Tim. 4:5-8.
II. Persecution in the Early Church
6.
Persecution led first-century church
to greater evangelism. Acts 8:1.
7.
Power attended first disciples' min-
istry. Acts 8:4-8.
III. The Time of Trouble
8.
A period of severest test. Dan. 12:
1, second part.
9.
The plagues afflict the wicked. Rev.
16:2-4, 8, 10-12, 17.
10.
Tribulation purifies the saints. Dan.
12:1, last part.
11.
The righteous will be spared. Ps.
91 : 10.
12.
Spiritual growth to be earnestly
sought. 2 Peter 3:11-14.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Fearful tests and trials await the peo-
ple of God. The spirit of war is stirring
the nations from one end of the earth
to the other. But in the midst of the
time of trouble . . . God's chosen people
will stand unmoved. Satan and his angels
cannot destroy them, for angels that excel
in strength will protect
them."—Selected
Messages,
b. 2, p. 55.
The Object of Trial
1. What spiritual
results come
from tribulation? Rom. 5:3, 4.
NOTE.—"Life is disciplinary. While in
the world, the Christian will meet with
adverse influences. There will be provoca-
tions to test the temper; and it is by meet-
ing these in a right spirit that the Chris-
tian graces are developed. . . .
"There is a high standard to which we
are to attain if we would be children of
God, noble, pure, holy, and undefiled; and
a pruning process is necessary if we would
reach this standard. How would this prun-
ing be accomplished if there were no dif-
ficulties to meet, no obstacles to surmount,
nothing to call out patience and endur-
ance? These trials are not the smallest
blessings in our experience. They are de-
signed to nerve us to determination to
succeed. We are to use them as God's
means to gain decided victories over self
instead of allowing them to hinder, op-
press, and destroy
us."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 344, 345.
2.
What is to be the Christian's
reaction to persecution for righteous-
ness' sake? Matt. 5:10-12.
NoTE.—"Christ's followers are accused
as troublers of the people. But it is fellow-
ship with God that brings them the world's
enmity. They are bearing the reproach of
Christ. They are treading the path that
has been trodden by the noblest of the
earth. Not with sorrow, but with re-
joicing, should they meet persecution. Each
fiery trial is God's agent for their refining.
. . . Each conflict has its place in the
great battle for righteousness, and each
will add to the joy of their final triumph."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 306.
3.
In what language is the Chris-
tian reassured that he need not en-
counter
overwhelming
temptation?
1 Cor. 10:13.
NOTE.-"If
we venture on Satan's ground
we have no assurance of protection from
his power. So far as in us lies, we should
close every avenue by which the tempter
may find access to us. The prayer, 'Bring
us not into temptation,' is itself a promise.
If we commit ourselves to God we have
the assurance, He 'will not suffer you to
be tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make
a
way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear
it.' 1 Corinthians 10:13. . . . Live in
contact with the living Christ, and He
will hold you firmly by a hand that will
[33
1
never let go. Know and believe the love
that God has to us, and you are secure;
that love is a fortress impregnable to all
the delusions and assaults of Satan."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages 118, 119.
4.
What reason is given for the
Christian's acceptance of trial as a
blessing? James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Peter 4:
12, 13.
NOTE.—"Many who sincerely consecrate
their lives to God's service are surprised
and disappointed to find themselves, as
never before, confronted by obstacles and
beset by trials and perplexities. They pray
for Christlikeness of character, for a fit-
ness for the Lord's work, and they are
placed in circumstances that seem to call
forth all the evil of their nature. Faults
are revealed of which they did not even
suspect the existence. . . .
"The fact that we are called upon to
endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus
sees in us something precious which He
desires to develop."—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
pages 470, 471.
" 'When men shall revile you, and per-
secute you,' said Jesus, 'rejoice, and be ex-
ceeding glad.' And He pointed His hearers
to the prophets who had spoken in the
name of the Lord, as 'an example of suf-
fering affliction, and of patience.' James
5:10. Abel, the very first Christian of
Adam's children, died a martyr. Enoch
walked with God, and the world knew
him not. Noah was mocked as a fanatic
and an alarmist. 'Others had trial of cruel
mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of
bonds and imprisonment.' Others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance; that
they might obtain a better resurrection.'
Hebrews 11:36,
35."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
page 33.
5.
To what reward did the apostle
look forward as he came to the close
of his life? 2 Tim. 4:5-8.
NOTE.—"The apostle was looking into
the great beyond, not with uncertainty
or dread, but with joyous hope and long-
ing expectation. As he stands at the
place of martyrdom he sees not the sword
of the executioner or the earth so soon to
receive his blood; but he looks up through
the calm blue heaven of that summer day
to the throne of the Eternal. . . .
"Ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ,
washed from sin in His blood, and clothed
in His righteousness, Paul has the witness
in himself that his soul is precious in the
sight of his Redeemer. . . . Like a trum-
pet peal his voice has rung out through
all the ages since, nerving with his own
courage thousands of witnesses for Christ
and awakening in thousands of sorrow-
stricken hearts the echo of his own tri-
umphant joy: 'I am now ready to be of-
fered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
511-513.
Persecution in the Early Church
6.
What experience came to the
apostolic church? With what result?
Acts 8:1.
7.
To what urgent task did the
church then commit itself, and with
what results? Acts 8:4-8.
NorE.—"The persecution that came upon
the church in Jerusalem resulted in giving
a great impetus to the work of the gospel.
Success had attended the ministry of the
word in that place, and there was danger
that the disciples would linger there too
long, unmindful of the Saviour's commis-
sion to go to all the world. . . .
"When they were scattered by persecu-
tion they went forth filled with missionary
zeal. They realized the responsibility of
their mission. They knew that they held in
their hands the bread of life for a famish-
ing world; and they were constrained by
the love of Christ to break this bread to
all who were in need. The Lord wrought
through them. Wherever they went, the
sick were healed and the poor had the
gospel preached unto them."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
pages 105, 106.
[34
]
The Time of Trouble
8.
Near the end of time, what ter-
rible experience awaits the church
and the world? Dan. 12:1, second
part.
NOTE.—"When He leaves the sanctuary,
darkness covers the inhabitants of the
earth. In that fearful time the righteous
must live in the sight of a holy God with-
out an intercessor. The restraint which
has been upon the wicked is removed, and
Satan has entire control of the finally
impenitent. God's long-suffering has ended.
The world has rejected His mercy, de-
spised His love, and trampled upon His
law. The wicked have passed the boundary
of their probation; the Spirit of God, per-
sistently resisted, has been at last with-
drawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they
have no protection from the wicked one.
Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of
the earth into one great, final trouble. As
the angels of God cease to hold in check
the fierce winds of human passion, all the
elements of strife will be let loose. The
whole world will be involved in ruin more
terrible than that which came upon Jeru-
salem of
old."—The Great Controversy,
page 614.
9.
Enumerate the afflictions of the
wicked at that time. Rev. 16:2-4, 8,
10-12, 17.
NOTE.—"These plagues are not universal,
or the inhabitants of the earth would be
wholly cut off. Yet they will be the
most awful scourges that have ever been
known to mortals. All the judgments upon
men, prior to the close of probation, have
been mingled with mercy. The pleading
blood of Christ has shielded the sinner
from receiving the full measure of his
guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is
poured out unmixed with mercy. In that
day, multitudes will desire the shelter of
God's mercy which they have so long de-
spised."—The
Great Controversy,
pages
628, 629.
10.
What will be the experience of
the saints during this time? Dan. 12:1,
last part. Compare Rev. 20:15.
NOTE.—"Delivered.
What a consolation
that in this great controversy the outcome
is not in doubt! Compare chs. 7:18, 22,
27; 10:14."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Dan. 12:1.
11.
What further assurance is given
the righteous during these awful
times? Ps. 91:10.
NOTE.—"The precious Saviour will send
help just when we need it. The way to
heaven is consecrated by His footprints.
Every thorn that wounds our feet has
wounded His. Every cross that we are
called to bear He has borne before us. The
Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul
for peace. The time of trouble is a fear-
ful ordeal for God's people; but it is the
time for every true believer to look up,
and by faith he may see the bow of
promise encircling
him."—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 633.
12.
How earnestly should the Chris-
tian pursue his spiritual develop-
ment? 2 Peter 3:11-14.
NOTE.—"Every soul is elected who will
work out his own salvation with fear and
trembling. He is elected who will put on
the armor, and fight the good fight of
faith. He is elected who will watch
unto
prayer, who will search the Scriptures, and
flee from temptation. He is elected who
will have faith continually, and who will
be obedient to every word that proceedeth
out of the mouth of God. The
provisions
of redemption are free to all; the
results
of redemption will be enjoyed by those
who have complied with the conditions."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 208.
"There is no place in the school of Christ
where we graduate. We are to work on
the plan of addition, and the Lord will
work on the plan of multiplication."—Se-
lected
Messages,
b. 1, p. 379.
[ 35
Lesson
11,
for
December 14, 1963
Our Lord's Return
MEMORY VERSE:
"And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall
appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His
coming." 1 John 2:28.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 40; "Early Writings," pages 111-
114, 118-121;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To remind us of the purpose and nearness of Christ's soon return
to this earth, and to urge preparation to meet Him.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read
learn memory verse.
further from study helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 5-9.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
reading study helps.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Christ Shall Return
1.
The promise to return. John 14:
1-3.
2.
For those who eagerly await Him.
Heb. 9:28.
3.
The coming King identified as
Christ. Titus 2:13, 14.
4.
Paul describes His coming. 1 Thess.
4:16, 17.
II. The Purpose of His Coming
5.
To restore the lost dominion. Micah
4:6-8.
6.
To bestow eternal life on His chil-
dren. 1 Cor. 15:52, 53; Rom. 6:23.
7.
To
unite loved ones separated by
death. 1 Thess. 4:13-15.
8.
To bring rewards. Matt. 16:27.
9.
To punish the ungodly. 2 Thess.
1:7, 8.
III. The Nearness of His Coming
10.
The premise to come quickly. Rev.
22:13, 12.
11.
Upheavals in nature as signs. Luke
21:25-27.
12.
Gospel to go to all the world prior
to His coming. Matt. 24:14.
13.
The Lord to appear with startling
suddenness. 1 Thess. 5:3.
14.
Christians are to look for and
hasten the Lord's return. 2 Peter
3:12; Luke 21:34-36.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The Lord is coming. Lift up your heads
and rejoice. . . . This is the good, the
joyful news which should electrify every
soul, which should be repeated in our
homes, and told to those whom we meet
on the street. What more joyful news can
be communicated
!"-Evangelism,
page 218.
Christ Shall Return
1. Before His ascension, what
promise did Jesus make to His disci-
ples? John 14:1-3.
NOTE.-"Long
have we waited for our
Saviour's return. But nonetheless sure is
36
the promise. Soon we shall be in our
promised home. There Jesus will lead us
beside the living stream flowing from the
throne of God and will explain to us the
dark providences through which on this
earth He brought us in order to perfect
our characters. There we shall behold with
undimmed vision the beauties of Eden re-
stored. Casting at the feet of the Re-
deemer the crowns that He has placed on
our heads, and touching our golden harps,
we shall fill all heaven with praise to Him
that sitteth on the
throne."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 254.
2.
To whom will Christ bring sal-
vation when He returns? Heb. 9:28.
NorE.—"So Christ, having been offered
once to bear the sins of many, will appear
a second time, not to deal with sin but to
save those who are eagerly waiting for
Him." R.S.V.
"Those who watch for the Lord's coming
are not waiting in idle expectancy. The
expectation of Christ's coming is to make
men fear the Lord, and fear His judg-
ments upon transgression. It is to awaken
them to the great sin of rejecting His offers
of mercy. Those who are watching for the
Lord are purifying their souls by obedience
to the truth. With vigilant watching they
combine earnest working. Because they
know that the Lord is at the door, their
zeal is quickened to cooperate with the
divine intelligences in working for the
salvation of souls."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 634.
3.
How does the apostle identify
the Coming One? Titus 2:13, 14.
NOTE.—"Christ had ascended to heaven
in the form of humanity. The disciples had
beheld the cloud receive Him. The same
Jesus who had walked and talked and
prayed with them; who had broken bread
with them; who had been with them in
their boats on the lake; and who had that
very day toiled with them up the ascent
of Olivet,—the same Jesus had now gone
to share His Father's throne. And the
angels had assured them that the very One
whom they had seen go up into heaven,
would come again even as He had ascended.
He will come 'with clouds; and every eye
shall see
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page
832.
4.
How does Paul describe Christ's
coming? 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
NOTE.—"The coming of the Lord has
been in all ages the hope of His true fol-
lowers. The Saviour's parting promise upon
Olivet, that He would come again, lighted
up the future for His disciples, filling their
hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could
not quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering
and persecution, 'the appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ' was the
`blessed hope.' When the Thessalonian
Christians were filled with grief as they
buried their loved ones, who had hoped
to live to witness the coming of the Lord,
Paul, their teacher, pointed them to the
resurrection, to take place at the Saviour's
advent."—The
Great Controversy,
page
302.
The Purpose of His Coming
5.
In what lofty language does the
prophet describe the restoration of
the lost dominion? Micah 4:6-8.
NOTE.—"Satan, by means of his success
in turning man aside from the path of
obedience, became 'the god of this world.'
2 Corinthians 4:4. The dominion that
once was Adam's passed to the usurper.
But the Son of God proposed to come to
this earth to pay the penalty of sin, and
thus not only redeem man, but recover
the dominion forfeited. It is of this restora-
tion that Micah prophesied when he said,
`0 Tower of the flock, the stronghold of
the daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it
come, even the first dominion.' Micah 4:8.
The apostle Paul has referred to it as 'the
redemption of the purchased possession.'
Ephesians 1:14. And the psalmist had in
mind the same final restoration of man's
original inheritance when he declared, 'The
righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell
therein forever.' Psalm
37:29."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 682.
E 37.1
6.
At His second advent, what is
the first gift Christ bestows upon the
redeemed? 1 Cot. 15:52, 53; Rom.
6:23.
7.
What promise does God give
the faithful regarding their loved
ones who sleep in Jesus? 1 Thess. 4:
13-15.
8.
What is one purpose of the sec-
ond coming, as indicated by Jesus
Himself? Matt. 16:27. Compare Rev.
22:12.
NOTE.—"Christ had just been speaking
of Christians losing their lives . . . for
His sake. If their 'reward' for the sacri-
fice were to be received at death, as pop-
ular theology has it, it is strange that
Christ here specifically declares that this
reward is not given until He Himself shall
return in glory at the close of the age."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 16:27.
9.
What two classes of people does
the apostle Paul speak of as receiving
punishment when Christ comes? 2
Thess. 1:7, 8.
NOTE.—"In
flaming fire.
This phrase
should probably be attached to v. 7, as
further describing the coming of Christ.
The context and the general teaching of
Scripture seem to support this. At the
great advent day the Lord will be revealed
in His own glory, with the glory of His
Father, and of the holy angels (see Luke
9:26). Such glory appears to mortal eyes
as fire. Thus Moses described the glory
of God (Ex. 3:2), and thus, Ezekiel (Eze.
1:27), Daniel (Dan. 7:9, 10), and John the
revelator (Rev. 1:14, 15).
"Vengeance. . . .
The phrase may be
translated, 'inflicting punishment.'
"Know not God.
Paul conceives those
whom the Lord punishes as belonging to
two classes, those who know not God and
"The religious experience is
to a great degree determined
by the character of the books
you read in your leisure mo-
ments."—T
estimonies,vol.
7,
p. 204.
those who obey not the gospel. . . . The
first are those who have had opportunity
to know God but have spurned the privi-
lege. . . . The second class are those who
know the gospel message but have refused
to obey it. Their reasons for rejecting the
gospel are clearly shown by the Lord Him-
self to be their love of sin (see John 3:17-
20)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on 2
Thess. 1:8.
The Nearness of His Coming
10.
In the book of Revelation, how
does Christ identify Himself, and what
solemn announcement does He make?
Rev. 22:13, 12.
11.
What evidences in the physical
creation foreshadow Christ's second
coming? Luke 21:25-27.
NOTE.—"The restraining Spirit of God
is even now being withdrawn from the
world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire
and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow
each other in quick succession. Science
seeks to explain all these. The signs thick-
ening around us, telling of the near ap-
proach of the Son of God, are attributed
to any other than the true cause. Men
cannot discern the sentinel angels restrain-
ing the four winds that they shall not blow
until the servants of God are sealed; but
when God shall bid His angels loose the
winds, there will be such a scene of strife
as no pen can
picture."—Testimonies,
vol.
6, p. 408.
[88
1
12.
What work must be com-
pleted before the Lord's coming?
Matt. 24:14.
NOTE.—"Not upon the ordained minister
only rests the responsibility of going forth
to fulfill this commission. Everyone who
has received Christ is called to work for
the salvation of his fellowmen. . . .
"It is a fatal mistake to suppose that
the work of soulsaving depends alone upon
the ministry. The humble, consecrated be-
liever upon whom the Master of the vine-
yard places a burden for souls is to be
given encouragement by the men upon
whom the Lord has laid larger responsi-
bilities. . . . When the members of the
church of God do their appointed work
in the needy fields at home and abroad,
in fulfillment of the gospel commission,
the whole world will soon be warned and
the Lord Jesus will return to this earth
with power and great glory."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 110, 111.
13.
With what startling sudden-
ness will the Lord appear? 1 Thess.
5:3.
NoTE.—"The advent of Christ will sur-
prise the false teachers. They are saying,
`Peace and safety.' Like the priests and
teachers before the fall of Jerusalem, they
look for the church to enjoy earthly pros-
perity and glory. The signs of the times
they interpret as foreshadowing this. But
what saith the word of Inspiration? 'Sud-
den destruction cometh upon them.' 1
Thess. 5:3. Upon all who dwell on the
face of the whole earth, upon all who
make this world their home, the day of
God will come as a snare. It comes to them
as a prowling thief."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 635.
14.
It is the duty of each individual
Christian to preserve his own faith in
the nearness of the Lord's return.
How may this be done? 2 Peter 3:12;
Luke 21:34-36.
NOTE.—The Revised Standard Version of
2 Peter 3:12 reads, "Waiting for and
hastening the coming of the day of God."
"As your soul yearns after God, you
will find more and still more of the un-
searchable riches of His grace. As you
contemplate these riches you will come
into possession of them and will reveal
the merits of the Saviour's sacrifice, the
protection of His righteousness, the full-
ness of His wisdom, and His power to
present you before the Father 'without
spot, and blameless.'
"—The Acts of the
Apostles,
page 567.
"By giving the gospel to the world it is
in our power to hasten our Lord's return."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 633.
Lesson 12, for December 21, 1963
God's Harvest
MEMORY VERSE:
"The
enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end
of the world; and the reapers are the angels." Matt. 13:39.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 70-75, 243-251 (chapters, "Tares"
and "The Measure of Forgiveness"); "Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 113-116; "Early
Writings," pages 104-107
;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To note the existence of tares among the wheat, the Biblical pro-
cedure for dealing with them, and the ultimate purification of the church.
[ 39 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read
learn memory verse.
further from study helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 6-8.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
reading study helps.
0
Introduction
"The church may be called upon to dis-
miss from their fellowship those who will
not be corrected. It is a painful duty that
has to be done. Sad indeed is such a step,
and it should not be taken until every
other means of correcting and saving the
one in error has
failed."—Evangelism,
page
368.
Good Seed and Tares
1. To what does Christ compare
His faithful children? Matt. 13:38,
second part.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Good Seed and Tares
1.
Good seed represents God's chil-
dren. Matt. 13:38, second part.
2.
The tares are servants of the evil
one. Matt. 13:38, last part.
3.
Hypocrisy rebuked. Matt. 23:26, 27.
4.
A hypocrite—a blind guide. Matt.
23:15-17; 15:14.
5.
A right decision urged. Josh. 24:15.
II. Church Discipline
6. Brothers at fault should be dealt
with. Matt. 18:15, 16.
7.
Censure must be administered in
meek spirit. Gal. 6 : 1.
8.
Unrepentant to be disfellowshiped.
Matt. 18:17, 18.
Ill. The Result of the Harvest
9.
A warning against unwise or hasty
action. Matt. 13:28-30.
10.
Fate of the unrepentant. Matt.
13:41, 42.
11.
Reward of the faithful. Matt. 13:
43.
12.
The redeemed shall see His face.
Rev. 22:3, 4.
THE LESSON
NOTE.—"The good seed represents those
who are born of the word of God, the
truth. The tares represent a class who
are the fruit or embodiment of error, of
false principles. . . . Many who think
themselves Christians will at last be found
wanting. Many will be in heaven who
their neighbors supposed would never enter
there. Man judges from appearance, but
God judges the heart. The tares and the
wheat are to grow together until the
harvest; and the harvest is the end of
probationary
time."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
pages 70-72.
3. With what scathing words did
Christ rebuke hypocrisy in professed
believers? Matt. 23:26, 27.
2. To what are the children of the
wicked compared? Matt. 13:38, last
part.
NOTE.—"Love to God is the very foun-
dation of religion. To engage in His service
[ 40 ]
At the Christmas season
thoughts turn to loved ones
and friends. Give your best
Friend, Jesus, your best gift
for the Thirteenth Sabbath
Offering—December 21.
merely from hope of reward or fear of
punishment, would avail nothing. Open
apostasy would not be more offensive to
God than hypocrisy and mere formal wor-
ship."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 523.
4.
What is the result of a hypo-
crite's influence? Matt. 23:15-17. Com-
pare Matt. 15:14.
5.
What choice was presented by
Joshua to ancient Israel? Josh. 24:15.
NOTE.—"God does not compel men to
give up their unbelief. Before them
are
light and darkness, truth and error. It is
for them to decide which they will accept.
The human mind is endowed with power
to discriminate between right and wrong.
God designs that men shall not decide from
impulse, but from weight of evidence, care-
fully comparing scripture with scripture."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 458.
Church Discipline
6.
What procedure is to be fol-
lowed in dealing with those who err?
Matt. 18:15, 16.
NOTE.—"Our Lord teaches that matters
of difficulty between Christians are to be
settled within the church. They should not
be opened before those who do not fear
God. If a Christian is wronged by his
brother, let him not appeal to unbelievers
in a
court of justice. Let him follow out
the instruction Christ has given. Instead
of trying to avenge himself, let him seek
to save his brother. God will guard the
interests of those who love and fear Him,
and with confidence we may commit our
case to Him who judges righteously."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 248, 249.
7.
In what spirit should those over-
taken in a fault be dealt with? Gal.
6:1.
NOTE.—"Give the erring one no occasion
for discouragement. Suffer not a phar-
isaical hardness to come in and hurt your
brother. Let no bitter sneer rise in mind
or heart. Let no tinge of scorn be mani-
fest in the voice. If you speak a word of
your own, if you take an attitude of in-
difference, or show suspicion or distrust, it
may prove the ruin of a soul. He needs
a brother with the Elder Brother's heart
of sympathy to touch his heart of human-
ity. Let him feel the strong clasp of
a
sympathizing hand, and hear the whisper,
Let us pray. God will give a rich experi-
ence to you
both."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 250.
8.
If the offending member persists
in his waywardness, what is the clear
duty of the church? Matt. 18:17, 18.
NoTE.—"If he will not heed the voice
of the church, if he refuses all the efforts
made to reclaim him, upon the church
rests the responsibility of separating him
from fellowship. His name should then
be stricken from the books.
"No church officer should advise, no
committee should recommend, nor should
any church vote, that the name of a
wrongdoer shall be removed from the
church books, until the instruction given
by Christ has been faithfully followed.
When this has been done, the church has
cleared herself before
God."—Gospel Work-
ers,
pages 500, 501.
The Result of the Harvest
9.
How did Christ indicate that the
situation of wheat and tares growing
together would be solved? Matt. 13:
28-30.
[ 411
NoTE.—"Christ's servants are grieved as
they see true and false believers mingled
in the church. They long to do something
to cleanse the church. Like the servants
of the householder, they are ready to up-
root the tares. But Christ says to them,
`Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares,
ye root up also the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest.'"
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 71.
10.
How will the Master deal with
those who remain in the church, but
outside the circle of His will? Matt.
13:41, 42.
NOTE.—"The Saviour does not point for-
ward to a time when all the tares become
wheat. The wheat and tares grow together
until the harvest, the end of the world.
Then the tares are bound in bundles to
be burned, and the wheat is gathered into
the garner of God. 'Then shall the righ-
teous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom
of their Father.' Then 'the Son of man
shall send forth His angels, and they shall
gather out of His kingdom all things that
offend, and them which do iniquity; and
shall cast them into a furnace of fire;
there shall be wailing and gnashing of
teeth.' "—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 75.
11.
To what glorious privilege will
the righteous at last be welcomed?
Matt. 13:43.
NOTE.—"We are homeward bound. He
who loved us so much as to die for us
hath builded for us a city. The new Jeru-
salem is our place of rest. There will be
no sadness in the City of God. No wail
of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and
buried affections, will evermore be heard.
Soon the garments of heaviness will be
changed for the wedding garment. Soon
we shall witness the coronation of our
King. Those whose lives have been hidden
with Christ, those who on this earth have
fought the good fight of faith, will shine
forth with the Redeemer's glory in the
kingdom of God.
"It will not be long till we shall see Him
in whom our hopes of eternal life are cen-
tered. And in His presence, all the trials
and sufferings of this life will be as nothing-
ness. . . . Look up, look up, and let your
faith continually
increase."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 287.
12.
How does John the revelator
speak of the great privilege of the re-
deemed when the curse has been re-
moved? Rev. 22:3, 4.
NOTE.—"Whatever crosses they have
been called to bear, whatever losses they
have sustained, whatever persecution they
have suffered, even to the loss of their
temporal life, the children of God are
amply recompensed. 'They shall see His
face; and His name shall be in their
foreheads.'
"—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
180.
Lesson 13, for December 28, 1963
The Judgment
MEMORY VERSE:
"Judgment also will
I
lay to the line, and righteousness to the
plummet." Isa. 28:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapters 28
and 42; "Patriarchs and
Prophets," chapter 7; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
LESSON AIM:
To
make clear the nature and purpose of the great final judgment.
[ 42 1
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
learn memory verse.
Wednesday: Read further from
Sunday: Questions 1-6.
study helps.
0
Monday: Questions 7, 8; begin
Thursday: Finish reading study
reading study helps.
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Coming Judgment
1.
The certainty of the judgment.
Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10.
2.
Every work to be brought into
judgment. Eccl. 12:14.
3.
The judgment scene described. Dan.
7:9, 10.
4.
The judgment-hour message to
precede second coming. Rev. 14:
6, 7.
5.
Law of God-the standard of judg-
ment. James 2:10-12.
6.
Obedient and faithful ones justi-
fied. Rom. 5:1; Matt. 7:21-27.
II. The Judged and Judgment-Bound
7.
Noah's generation characterized by
careless unconcern. Matt. 24:38, 39.
8.
Urgent message to those lingering
in sin. 2 Cor. 6:2.
III. God's Strange Act
9.
Earth to be purified by fire. Rev.
20:9, 15.
10.
Sin and sinners to be totally de-
stroyed. Mal. 4:1.
11.
Righteousness to reign forever. 2
Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:27.
12.
Diligence and readiness essential to
Christians. 2 Peter 3:14, 17, 18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The investigative judgment is now in
progress. At the same time, in this crisis
hour, a strange lethargy seems to have
gripped humanity. The human family
rushes in careless unconcern toward the
day of final reckoning. Let us warn, watch,
and be ready.
The Coming Judgment
1. What does the apostle Paul say
about the certainty of the judgment?
Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10.
NOTE.
-
All
of us, both weak and strong,
are to stand before the great tribunal. "On
that great day men will not only put in
an appearance at the bar of justice, but
will stand revealed as to what manner of
persons they are."-S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary,
on 2 Cor. 5:10.
2. How inclusive will the work of
the judgment be? Eccl. 12:14.
NoTE.-"Every man's work passes in re-
view before God and is registered for faith-
fulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each
name in the books of heaven is entered
with terrible exactness every wrong word,
every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty,
and every secret sin, with every artful
dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or re-
proofs neglected, wasted moments, unim-
proved opportunities, the influence exerted
for good or for evil, with its far-reaching
results, all are chronicled by the recording
angel."-The
Great Controversy,
page 482.
[43
]
"There is a world to be
warned. To us has been en-
trusted this
work."—Coun-
sels on Stewardship,
page 43.
"As Christ's ministration was to consist
of two great divisions, each occupying a
period of time and having a distinctive
place in the heavenly sanctuary, so the
typical ministration consisted of two divi-
sions, the daily and the yearly service, and
to each a department of the tabernacle
was
devoted."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 357.
3.
How does the prophet Daniel
describe the judgment scene? Dan.
7:9, 10.
NoTE.—"Thus was presented to the
prophet's vision the great and solemn day
when the characters and the lives of men
should pass in review before the Judge of
all the earth, and to every man should be
rendered 'according to his works.' The
Ancient of Days is God the Father. . . .
It is He, the source of all being, and the
fountain of all law, that is to preside in
the judgment. And holy angels as min-
isters and witnesses, in number 'ten thou-
sand times ten thousand, and thousands of
thousands,' attend this great tribunal."—
The Great Controversy,
page 479.
4.
What proclamation is to precede
the return of Christ to our world?
Rev. 14:6, 7. Compare Mark 16:15.
NOTE.—"In the prophecy this warning
of the judgment, with its connected mes-
sages, is followed by the coming of the
Son of man in the clouds of heaven. The
proclamation of the judgment is an an-
nouncement of Christ's second coming as
at hand. And this proclamation is called
the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching
of Christ's second coming, the announce-
ment of its nearness, is shown to be an
essential part of the gospel message."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 227, 228.
5.
By what standard are men being
measured in the judgment? James
2:10-12.
6.
What twofold experience is nec-
essary in order to meet divine ap-
proval? Rom. 5:1; Matt. 7:21-27.
The Judged and Judgment-Bound
7.
What strange unconcern char-
acterized the time of Noah? With
what consequence? Matt. 24:38, 39.
NOTE.—"As the time of their probation
was closing, the antediluvians gave them-
selves up to exciting amusements and festiv-
ities. Those who possessed influence and
power were bent on keeping the minds of
the people engrossed with mirth and plea-
sure, lest any should be impressed by the
last solemn warning. . . .
"When great and wise men had proved
to their satisfaction that it was impossible
for the world to be destroyed by water,
when the fears of the people were quieted,
when all regarded Noah's prophecy as a
delusion, and looked upon him as a fanatic
—then it was that God's time had come."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 103, 104.
"When the professed people of God are
uniting with the world, living as they live,
and joining with them in forbidden plea-
sure; when the luxury of the world becomes
the luxury of the church; when the mar-
riage bells are chiming, and all are looking
forward to many years of worldly pros-
perity—then, suddenly as the lightning
flashes from the heavens, will come the
end of their bright visions and delusive
hopes."—The
Great Controversy,
pages
338, 339.
8.
What urgent message is ad-
dressed to sinners while mercy
lingers? 2 Cor. 6:2.
NoTa.—"Is not this promise broad and
deep and full? Can you ask more? Will
44 ]
you not allow the Lord right here to
erect a standard for you against the
enemy? Satan is ready to steal away the
blessed assurances of God. He desires to
take every glimmer of hope and every
ray of light from the soul; but you must
not permit him to do this. Exercise faith;
fight the good fight of faith; wrestle with
these doubts; become acquainted with the
promises."—Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 629.
God's Strange Act
9.
How will the earth be purified
from sin and sinners? Rev. 20:9, 15.
NOTE.—"This is not an act of arbitrary
power on the part of God. The rejecters
of His mercy reap that which they have
sown. God is the fountain of life; and
when one chooses the service of sin, he
separates from God, and thus cuts himself
off from life. He is 'alienated from the
life of God.' Christ says, 'All they that
hate Me love death.' Eph. 4:18; Prov.
8:36. God gives them existence for a time
that they may develop their character and
reveal their principles. This accomplished,
they receive the results of their own choice.
By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who
unite with him place themselves so out
of harmony with God that His very
presence is to them a consuming fire. The
glory of Him who is love will destroy
them."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 764.
10.
How complete will this work
of destruction be? How many sin-
ners will survive it? Mal. 4:1.
NOTE.—"In the mad strife of their own
fierce passions, and by the awful outpour-
ing of God's unmingled wrath, fall the
wicked inhabitants of the earth—priests,
rulers, and people, rich and poor, high and
low. . . . At the coming of Christ the
wicked are blotted from the face of the
whole earth—consumed with the spirit of
His mouth and destroyed by the bright-
ness of His glory. . . .
"The whole earth appears like a desolate
wilderness. The ruins of cities and villages
destroyed by the earthquake, uprooted
trees, ragged rocks thrown out by the sea
or torn out of the earth itself, are scattered
over its surface, while vast caverns mark
the spot where the mountains have been
rent from their foundations."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 657.
11.
What assurance is given that
sin will not lift its head again to
plague the human family and that
righteousness will reign forever? 2
Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:27.
NOTE.—"Satan's work of ruin is forever
ended. For six thousand years he has
wrought his will, filling the earth with
woe and causing grief throughout the uni-
verse. The whole creation has groaned and
travailed together in pain. Now God's
creatures are forever delivered from his
presence and temptations. 'The whole earth
is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous]
break forth into singing.'
"—The Great
Controversy,
page 673.
12.
What timely counsel is given
those who know what God has re-
vealed about the future? 2 Peter 3:
14, 17, 18.
NorE.—"It is now that we must keep
ourselves and our children unspotted from
the world. It is now that we must wash
our robes of character and make them
white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now
that we must overcome pride, passion, and
spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we
must awake and make determined effort
for symmetry of character. 'Today if ye
will hear His voice, harden not your
hearts.' We are in a most trying posi-
tion, waiting, watching for our Lord's ap-
pearing. The world is in darkness. 'But
ye, brethren,' says Paul, 'are not in dark-
ness, that that day should overtake you
as a thief.' It is ever God's purpose to
bring light out of darkness, joy out of
sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the
waiting, longing
soul."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, pp. 215, 216.
[ 45
db
110
Portrayed by Ellen G. White in THE CONFLICT OF
THE AGES set of books. It began in the ancient times
of the PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS, progressed
through the times of the PROPHETS AND KINGS,
was gloriously illuminated by THE DESIRE OF AGES,
witnessed THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, and will
finally end in THE GREAT CONTROVERSY, with a
glimpse into the future.
This set of five volumes provides an invaluable guide to
a greater, finer, and better life while pointing out the
lessons that history gives.
This remarkable set of
books greatly enhances:
* Study
* Inspiration
* Dedication
Five-volume set, cloth,
$23.50
Five-volume set, deluxe,
$28.50
Order from your helpful Book and Bible House.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 21, 1963
Southern African Division
Of all countries in the world today, Africa's are probably undergoing
the greatest change. Not only is the map of this continent changing,
but many newly independent nations have emerged from the political,
economic, social, and educational upheavals which accompany such
radical change.
Among the emerging peoples, education and improved living stan-
dards are dominant aspirations. With many millions of dollars being
made available by overseas governments annually, local governments
have been able to increase the salaries and improve the living con-
ditions of their employees. Business concerns have been forced to keep
pace with the governments' trends, and mission organizations have had
to struggle along behind, doing the best they can with the funds avail-
able. In due course our members should be able to do more to support
the work in their fields, but at present their earning capacity is still
being developed.
That is why we are asking our Sabbath school members around
the world to accept the project of improving African workers' housing
through the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on December 21.
LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER, 1964
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the first quarter of 1964 will be helped by the following outline in studying the
first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "Christ in All the Scriptures."
The title of the first lesson is "The Attitude of Jesus Toward the Holy Scriptures."
The memory verse is Luke 24:27. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Luke 16:31.
Ques. 2. John 5:46, 47.
Ques. 3. Luke 24:27.
Ques. 4. Matt. 4:3, 6, 9.
Ques. 5. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
Ques. 6. Deut. 8:3 ; 6:16, 13, 14.
Ques. 7. John 5:39.
Ques. 8. Matt. 22:45; John 5:46; 8:56.
Ques. 9. Luke 4:16-21.
Ques. 10. Luke 22:37.
Ques. 11. Matt. 26:31.
Ques. 12. Mark 14:48, 49.
Ques. 13. Luke 24:25, 26.
[ 47 ]
CENTRAL AFRICAN
CONGO
EAST AFRICAN
NYASALAND
SOUTH AFRICAN
TANGANYIKA
ZAMBESI
DIVISION TOTALS
4,261,933
323
57,475
12,317,326
91
11,477
17,131,129
237
43,481
3,000,000
93
18,289
15,249,246
255
17,865
9,298,043
66
14,245
5,789,600
181
35,255
67,047,277
1,246
198,087
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